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From YouTube to York: Lilly Singh becomes Dr. Singh
Canadian entertainer and YouTuber Lilly Singh was awarded honorary doctorate from York University for cultural impact.
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Pranavi Sharma - Fri, 17, Oct 2025
- 23:06 EDT
- 26
York University conferred the honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Singh during its Fall Convocation ceremony on Oct. 14. / Facebook/Lilly SIngh
Comedian and YouTube star Lilly Singh has officially become Dr. Singh. The Canadian entertainer received an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, York University, calling it “an immense honour” and adding that the universe “has a wild sense of humour”—because, after all, she’s now given her parents the doctor they always wanted, in her own way.
York University conferred the honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Singh during its Fall Convocation ceremony on Oct. 14, recognizing her “contributions to community building and accomplishments in pop culture and entertainment". Singh graduated from York in 2010 with a degree in psychology before launching a career that transformed her from a digital creator to a globally known performer and advocate.
On social media, Singh shared that the milestone carried deep personal meaning, especially as the child of Indian immigrants. “We’ve all heard the stereotype about Brown parents wanting their kids to be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, and let’s be honest, it’s usually true,” she wrote. “But that’s because, to them, those paths represented stability. And at the end of the day, all parents really want is for their kids to be safe and able to make a living.”
The 37-year-old first rose to global fame through her YouTube comedy videos, which she began posting as a teenager. Over time, she built a massive online following and successfully transitioned into mainstream entertainment.
She added, “I went against the grain in every possible way. But the universe has a wild sense of humour… because somehow, this path led me to bring home a PhD after all.”
“Lilly’s career encapsulates the values of York University’s mission,” Faculty of Health Dean David Peters said. “She uses comedy to break down stereotypes about women, sexuality and more, and is an advocate for gender equity.”
In her address to the graduating class of 2025, Singh urged students to embrace uncertainty and treat failure as part of growth. “Let me reassure you,” she said, “having it all figured out is a false narrative. It’s a myth.”
Reflecting on her own experience as a York student, Singh admitted she once struggled with direction and the pressure to meet family expectations. Using humour, she recalled telling her parents she was pursuing a career in entertainment instead of graduate school. “Mom, Dad – it may not have happened in the way you thought, but your daughter is bringing home a PhD today – also a doctorate in law. I’m basically a doctor and a lawyer,” she joked.
During her speech, Singh told graduates that failure is not a setback but a teacher. “From the very beginning of my career until now, there is zero evidence that failure sets you back,” she said. “Failure is the universe guiding you.”
Singh closed her remarks with a reminder that education extends far beyond formal schooling. “The biggest disservice you can do to yourself is believe you have figured it all out and you have nothing more to learn. You will graduate over and over again—it just won’t always be in a cap and gown.”
Her final note was one of gratitude and humour: “When you see me on the streets, please refer to me as Dr. Daddy Singh.”
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