October 21, 2025
3 Min Read
There’s nothing quite like convocation day at Osgoode, but this year carried special meaning. For the first time, Osgoode held its own dedicated convocation ceremony, celebrating graduates of the LLM, Professional LLM, and PhD in Law programs in a setting that was truly their own. The event marked a proud milestone for both the graduates and the Osgoode community, bringing together people from around the world who had shared in years of study, collaboration, and growth.
The hall buzzed with anticipation as families, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the Class of 2025. Robes were straightened, cameras flashed, and applause filled the room as graduates crossed the stage. For many, it was the culmination of years of hard work and determination, a moment to reflect on how far they had come.
York University’s Chancellor spoke to that sense of endurance, drawing inspiration from Dr. Jane Goodall’s words: “If you really want to do something important, then you have to work really hard, take advantage of every opportunity. And if you don’t give up, hopefully, you’ll find a way.” She reminded graduates that perseverance means believing in possibility, even when the outcome is uncertain. “You may have faced adversity,” she said. “You may have been told, ‘that’s not for you.’ But the fact that you are graduating today means that you never gave up.”
When Dean Trevor Farrow took the stage – introduced as “the only faculty member brave enough to wear the fun hat” – he offered both humour and heartfelt congratulations. “You made it,” he began. “It’s a great honour and privilege to stand here before you on this important milestone.”
He reflected on the responsibilities that come with a legal education, describing law as a profession rooted in service and integrity. “The well-being of society depends on the core values of justice, fairness, and the rule of law,” he said. “More than ever, Canada and the world need great lawyers, great leaders, and above all, great people.” Dean Farrow encouraged graduates to stay curious, take risks, and continue learning throughout their careers.
For many, the day was as much about looking ahead as looking back. Lana Devrisashvili, who came to Osgoode from Georgia to study in the Canadian Common Law program, described her experience as transformative. “Coming from a civil law background, this program helped me transition successfully into the Canadian legal system,” she said. “It gave me opportunities to grow personally and professionally, and the inspiration to keep learning.”
That inspiration has already led her to pursue further studies in Osgoode’s Energy and Infrastructure Law specialization. “If I had to describe OsgoodePD in one word, it would be supportive,” she said. “The team guided me every step of the way. They truly help students succeed.”
Convocation 2025 was filled with pride, laughter, and gratitude, a celebration of perseverance and community, and a reminder of the meaningful work that lies ahead.
Congratulations to the Osgoode Class of 2025 – you did it!
Learn more about the valuable services and student career support OsgoodePD provides to degree and diploma students.