Celebrating Tomorrow’s Leaders: Munk School Class of 2026

University of Toronto’s Spring Convocation 2026 will include 157 Munk School students. They will graduate with master of global affairs (MGA) and master of public policy (MPP) degrees on Tuesday, June 9 at one of 36 ceremonies inside U of T’s historic Convocation Hall. 

Throughout their period of study, Munk School students build highly valuable knowledge, skills, experience and relationships. As they cross the floor to receive their degrees, each one will begin a new chapter with credentials achieved that are recognized around the world for academic rigor and experiential learning as well as access to insight and mentorship from those who have led progress on relevant issues in top level, real world workplace settings.   

The degrees alone are reason to celebrate but, each year, a handful of students from each of the MGA and MPP programs are selected for their remarkable effort and strengths in areas that best represent the core values of the Munk School. The awards are as follows: 

The Janice Stein Student Leadership Awards 

These awards recognize a graduating student from each of MGA and MPP who have played a significant leadership role in their extracurricular activities and, in so doing, have a demonstrated impact on improving the quality of student experience within their program throughout their academic career. The award was established in tribute to Janice Stein’s many contributions to the University of Toronto, and as the founding Director of the Munk School. Candidates are selected for the nature, extent and lasting impact of their innovative leadership on a policy issue. 

The George B. Kepes MGA Leadership Award 

Awarded to an outstanding Master of Global Affairs (MGA) student completing their 2nd year of study in the program. The award will be made to those who have made meaningful contributions to student life and extra-curricular activities at the Munk School. 

The MPP Capstone Award 

As part of the MPP Capstone course at the Munk School, this award is based on the Capstone project, where students take on the role of judges and write papers proposing a policy agenda based on a broadened menu of options. Each year, the award-winning paper is published (as possible) in Ontario.  

MPP Director’s Award 

The MPP Director’s Award is for the student who attained the highest Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) throughout their MPP studies at the Munk School.   

The Peter Mansbridge Gold Medal 

The Peter Mansbridge Medal is for the student who attained the highest Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) throughout their MGA studies at the Munk School.   

The Excellence for Community Building Award 

This award celebrates a graduating student who used their leadership position to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. These are students who demonstrated a commitment to equity and diversity through their actions and integrity and care in their interactions with others. The recipient of this award is determined by the Munk School administration based on performance and interactions throughout the program and a range of other qualities. 

Leadership: The candidate’s ongoing interactions with the Munk School administration and their ability to inspire and motivate others.   

Community Building: The candidate's success in building a sense of community and fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment at the Munk School.   

Equity, Integrity, and Caring: The candidate's demonstrated commitment to equity, integrity, and caring in their interactions with others, and their ability to create positive and supportive relationships with peers, faculty, and staff.   

Positive Impact: The candidate's contribution to the overall success and growth of the Munk School community.   

Faculty will announce the recipients of these awards at Munk School celebrations that follow the convocation ceremony