Convocation Hall

U of T unveils Indigenous beaded stole at 2024 convocation ceremonies

Christopher.Sorensen — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:49:45 +0000

U of T unveils Indigenous beaded stole at 2024 convocation ceremonies Christopher.Sorensen Mon, 06/10/2024 - 09:49

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Our Community

Convocation 2024

Convocation Hall

Indigenous

The first-ever Indigenous beaded stole was introduced to the ��Ƶ’s convocation ceremonies last week.

Created by artist Katie Longboat, the stole is worn by the Eagle Feather Bearer, who leads the chancellor’s procession into Convocation Hall, and symbolizes the university’s enduring partnership with Indigenous Peoples.

In a video released today, Longboat explains that the design is inspired by the campuses’ natural surroundings and includes elements such oak leaves, acorns, pine needles, a blue poppy flower, a trillium flower and a beaver.

“Another element in the beadwork is the waterways,” said Longboat, who is originally from Six Nations of the Grand River.

“If you look closely, there are what look like streams flowing from the top to the bottom of the work and that represents the waterways in Toronto that are connected to the area.”

‘We belong here’: Indigenous beaded stole to be introduced at U of T’s spring convocation ceremonies

mattimar — Thu, 30 May 2024 14:18:50 +0000

‘We belong here’: Indigenous beaded stole to be introduced at U of T’s spring convocation ceremonies

mattimar Thu, 05/30/2024 - 10:18

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An Indigenous stole, created by artist Katie Longboat and inspired by nature around campus, will be introduced to this spring’s U of T convocation ceremonies as a symbol of the university’s enduring partnership with Indigenous Peoples (photo by Polina Teif)

Mariam Matti

Topic

Our Community

Convocation 2024

Indigenous Initiatives

Convocation Hall

Indigenous

Truth and Reconciliation

Artist Katie Longboat hopes the beadwork she created for an Indigenous stole to be worn during the ��Ƶ’s convocation ceremonies sparks a conversation about reconciliation within the education system.

The stole will be unveiled on June 3 – worn by the Eagle Feather Bearer who leads the chancellor’s procession into Convocation Hall.

The incorporation of the Eagle Feather, Eagle Feather Bearer and beaded stole into U of T’s official convocation ceremonies symbolizes the university’s enduring partnership with Indigenous Peoples and grew out of a recent review of U of T’s convocation.

Katie Longboat (photo by Polina Teif)

“I think actions like this – incorporating beadwork on a stole and including Indigenous culture and arts – highlight the diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, and says, ‘Yes, we belong here. I belong here and have a space in post-secondary education,’” says Longboat, a Mohawk and Cree bead artist and educator based in Toronto.

“I hope the message cycles down to the younger generations – the youth who are now entering post-secondary education – and they can feel that they have a place here, too.”

Originally from Six Nations of the Grand River, Longboat began beading when she was 14 years old in an effort to connect with her community. Her design for the stole was inspired by the nature she saw when she walked around the university.

“Some of the elements include oak leaves, acorns – there are pine needles all around the beaded piece,” she says. “The central flower, blue poppy flower and then the trillium flower at the top. There’s a beaver at the bottom of the beadwork, which is representative of the ��Ƶ symbols.

“Another element in the beadwork is the waterways. If you look closely, there are what look like streams flowing from the top to the bottom of the work and that represents the waterways in Toronto that are connected to the area.”

The stole's design was inspired by the nature Longboat observed at U of T (photo by Polina Teif)

Shannon Simpson, senior director of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, met with Indigenous leaders from the three campuses to discuss potential themes for the stole. U of T’s Council of Indigenous Initiatives was also involved in the process.

“We wanted something that represents all three campuses and something that signifies the land U of T sits on,” Simpson says. “[But] we didn’t want to get in the way of the creative process.”

Shannon Simpson (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Using two different techniques, Longboat created two separate pieces for convocation – the beadwork for the stole and a beaded stem to hold the Eagle Feather. She used flat-stitch beading for the stole and peyote-stitch bead weaving for the stem of the feather.

In 2017, the Steering Committee for the ��Ƶ Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its final report, Wecheehetowin. It called on the university to act in six key areas to engage in the ongoing process of reconciliation. A Convocation Advisory Review Committee was subsequently formed with a mandate that included reviewing ceremony elements with a goal to preserve U of T’s traditions while incorporating Indigenous cultures.

Simpson emphasizes the importance of inclusion and notes that Indigenous students previously felt under-represented.

“I think for a lot of our students, many of them have said they’re the first person in their family to attend a post-secondary institution, or that they feel like they’re the only Indigenous student in many of their classes,” she says.

“By the time they get their degree, they had a lot of firsts in their journey. To see these elements in their convocation, to see the recognition – I think that makes them feel like Indigenous students matter at U of T and that their experience has been valued.”

Originally from Six Nations of the Grand River, Longboat began beading when she was 14 years old (photo by Polina Teif)

Simpson says she is excited to have Longboat’s work featured in U of T’s convocation ceremonies.

“Katie does beautiful work and she’s a member of one of our host nations,” she says. “So, that was really important to us as well – to have someone from one of our local communities really be involved in this way.”

The addition of the beaded stole, Eagle Feather and Eagle Feather Bearer are among several initiatives that seek to make convocation more inclusive for Indigenous students. Others include a land acknowledgment and a protocol where Indigenous graduands can choose to wear traditional regalia with academic hood in lieu of an academic gown to their ceremonies.

Simpson says the university’s journey to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples still requires much work and relationship-building – but that the recent changes are steps in the right direction.

Longboat, meanwhile, hopes the stole’s wearers feel a sense of pride and that Indigenous students receive its intended message: “We belong here.”

Congratulations Class of 2024! U of T prepares for spring convocation

rahul.kalvapalle — Mon, 27 May 2024 19:32:48 +0000

Congratulations Class of 2024! U of T prepares for spring convocation rahul.kalvapalle Mon, 05/27/2024 - 15:32

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Some 16,000 students are set to graduate during 34 ceremonies in June

The ��Ƶ’s three campuses are abuzz as graduating students prepare to turn the page on a transformative period of their lives and celebrate their accomplishments at this year’s spring convocation ceremonies.

More than 13,000 graduating students will cross the stage inside Convocation Hall on the St. George campus and receive their degrees during 34 ceremonies held between June 3 and 21. They will be cheered on by their fellow graduands, families and friends.

This spring’s graduating students represent 123 countries, including Canada, and range in age from 17 to 70. In all, more than 21,500 students will graduate from U of T this year, including some 16,000 this spring.

“Many members of the Class of 2024 began their post-secondary studies during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was turned upside down,” said U of T President Meric Gertler. “And each of this year’s graduands persevered and succeeded despite that extraordinary challenge.

“The qualities they demonstrated will serve them well in their chosen fields and in their efforts to help build a more just and sustainable world.

“On behalf of the entire ��Ƶ, I thank them for their contributions, and I congratulate them on their achievements.”

This year’s spring convocation schedule gets underway on June 3 with ceremonies for Honours Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Arts students from U of T Mississauga and culminates with University College’s commerce and science graduands on June 21. Each ceremony will be livestreamed at U of T’s Convocation Hub. And viewers in mainland China can watch the broadcasts on MyMedia two to three days after the original ceremony date.

Graduating students and their guests – up to two family members or friends per student – who attend one of the ceremonies at Convocation Hall will take part in a number of rich convocation traditions. They include inspirational convocation speakers; colourful hoods and flowing gowns; a bedel carrying U of T’s gold-plated mace; a 51-bell carillon ringing out from atop Soldiers’ Tower; and the chancellor’s procession led by an Eagle Feather Bearer carrying a ceremonial Eagle Feather that was first introduced to U of T’s convocation ceremonies in spring 2022.

This year’s spring ceremonies will also feature the inaugural appearance of the Eagle Feather Bearer’s Stole, which, like the Eagle Feather and Eagle Feather Bearer, symbolizes the university’s deep respect for Indigenous Peoples and cultural traditions. Designed by Katie Longboat, a Mohawk and Cree artist originally from Six Nations of the Grand River, the stole is inspired by nature around campus with beadwork depicting Toronto’s waterways and U of T symbols such as the beaver.

Ten luminaries will receive honorary degrees at this year’s spring ceremonies.

As the ceremonies draw closer, U of T staff are hard at work preparing Convocation Hall and meticulously checking students’ names against printed parchments that are placed into envelopes. Meanwhile, dozens of convocation readers – who comprise current and retired faculty as well as staff – spend hours preparing to read graduands’ names.

Come their big day, graduating students can collect their regalia at the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship (a TCard or government-issued photo ID is required) before assembling for the procession to Convocation Hall. They will be presented on stage by degree in alphabetical order.

The recessional concludes on Galbraith Road, where new graduates can reunite with their guests.

Further information on how to best participate in the long-standing tradition of convocation at U of T can be found in an FAQ at the Convocation Hub, including a reminder that graduating students and their guests are only permitted to bring small clutch/handbags inside Convocation Hall, while all other personal effects must be placed in transparent plastic bags.

Diploma frames, Class of 2024 merchandise and other apparel and gifts can be purchased at the U of T Bookstore, which is located a short distance from Convocation Hall and will have extended hours during the convocation season.

Chancellor Rose Patten, who confers all degrees as chair of convocation, commended the members of the graduating class on their many achievements.

“I would like to congratulate each and every member of the Class of 2024 for reaching this important milestone,” said Patten, who will participate in her final U of T convocation ceremony this spring as her second term as chancellor draws to a close. “Our graduating students are a source of immense pride for the entire ��Ƶ community. They embody our mission to foster intellectual excellence, creativity and compassion to help build a better world.

“We look forward to seeing what you go on to accomplish in your lives and careers to come.”

In photos: U of T grads celebrated at 2023 fall convocation

mattimar — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 20:32:03 +0000

In photos: U of T grads celebrated at 2023 fall convocation

mattimar Thu, 11/09/2023 - 15:32

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A graduating student from U of T Scarborough blows a kiss before stepping inside Convocation Hall (photo by Nithya Thayaal)

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Thousands of students from the ��Ƶ’s three campuses celebrated their academic journeys during fall convocation this week.

Family and friends watched as graduates decked out in gowns and hoods crossed the stage inside Convocation Hall, marking the beginning of a new chapter after years of dedication and hard work.

Here are a few highlights captured by the photographers who covered the ceremonies:

(photo by David Lee)

Graduating students enter Convocation Hall for one of 10 ceremonies this week.

(photo by David Lee)

Accompanied by a support animal, a graduate shares a moment with U of T President Meric Gertler, Chancellor Rose Patten and the rest of the platform party.

(photo by Nicole In)

With degrees in hand and smiles on their faces, new graduates master the art of the post-convocation selfie.

(photo by David Lee)

Eagle Feather Bearer Kawennanoron Cynthia (Cindy) White leads the procession out of Convocation Hall following a ceremony.

(photo by Nicole In)

Sealed with a kiss: A new U of T graduate celebrates with her (very proud) family.

(photo by Nicole In)

Friends and family provide U of T graduates with support during their academic journeys – sometimes literally.

(photo by David Lee)

Jumping for joy on Front Campus is a time-honoured U of T tradition.

(photo by David Lee)

There were plenty of smiles outside of Convocation Hall before graduates headed in to receive their degrees.

(photo by Ryan Cerrudo)

Graduates from U of T Mississauga strike a pose following their graduation ceremony.

Excitement in the air: U of T gears up to celebrate graduating students at fall convocation

Christopher.Sorensen — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 19:36:12 +0000

Excitement in the air: U of T gears up to celebrate graduating students at fall convocation Christopher.Sorensen Mon, 10/30/2023 - 15:36

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Subheadline

More than 5,500 students from across Canada and 70 countries around the world will graduate from U of T between Nov. 6 and 9

As fall convocation approaches, the ��Ƶ’s three campuses are alive with vibrant autumn colours – a stunning backdrop for graduating students as they celebrate a key milestone in their lives.

More than 5,500 students from across Canada and 70 countries around the world will graduate from U of T between Nov. 6 and 9. Nearly 4,000 of them will cross the stage at Convocation Hall during the 10 scheduled ceremonies.

In total, more than 21,000 students will have graduated from U of T’s three campuses by the end of 2023.

President Meric Gertler said he is looking forward to celebrating the remarkable achievements of all those who are poised to receive their degrees next month.

“I’m delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every member of the Class of 2023 who will be graduating this fall,” he said. “Your energy and perseverance – as well as your commitment to academic excellence – are an inspiration to the entire ��Ƶ community.

“These qualities will serve you well as you take your next steps in your chosen fields.”

Fall convocation kicks off with the Faculty of Arts & Science on Nov. 6 and wraps up on Nov. 9 (see the full schedule here). Students at U of T Mississauga, who will receive their undergraduate and graduate degrees on Nov. 7, will be joined by honorary degree recipient Helen Clark, former prime minister of New Zealand.

(photo by David Lee)

The ceremonies, which will be livestreamed on U of T’s Convocation Hub, will feature numerous traditions, some dating back more than a century.

Each ceremony begins with the chancellor’s procession – which includes the Eagle Feather Bearer, Chancellor Rose Patten, President Gertler and a bedel carrying U of T’s gold-plated mace – and will see graduating students presented on stage one-by-one in alphabetical order. Other longstanding traditions include organ music, convocation speakers, and the playing of the 51-bell carillon atop Soldiers’ Tower after each ceremony.

Relatively recent additions to the ceremonies include gonfalons – long banners representing the university’s campuses, colleges and faculties – and the Eagle Feather Bearer who leads the chancellor’s procession into Convocation Hall. A sign of the university’s profound respect for Indigenous communities and cultures, the Eagle Feather and Eagle Feather Bearer were incorporated into U of T convocation ceremonies in the spring of 2022.

The Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship will be the main pre-ceremony hub, with students collecting their gown and hood from the lobby of the building, while designated gathering spaces for graduates and their guests will be located on King's College Circle.

Diploma and portrait framing services will be available at the U of T Bookstore.

An alternate viewing area where people can gather to watch the livestreams will be set up in the Sandford Fleming building.

Chancellor Patten, who is chair of convocation and confers all degrees, said she’s excited for the soon-to-be graduates to embark on their next chapter of life.

“I encourage you to carry with you the knowledge, skills and values you have gained and developed during your time at the ��Ƶ,” she said.

“You will soon join a diverse and global community of U of T alumni who are making a positive impact on the world in every field and walk of life. We look forward to seeing your own achievements and contributions to society in the years to come.”

In photos: U of T celebrates the Class of 2023 at spring convocation

mattimar — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 19:40:01 +0000

In photos: U of T celebrates the Class of 2023 at spring convocation

mattimar Fri, 06/23/2023 - 15:40

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A student from the School of Graduate Studies crosses the stage inside Convocation Hall on the St. George campus (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Rotman School of Management

St. George

U of T Mississauga

U of T Scarborough

The ��Ƶ celebrated the graduation of more than 15,800 students this spring – more than 12,700 of whom were expected to cross the stage inside Convocation Hall.

With family and friends watching, the 32 ceremonies held this month featured numerous traditions that date back more than a century and marked the culmination of years of education and hours of hard work.

Here are a few highlights captured by the photographers who covered the event.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Eagle Feather Bearer Leanne Grosbeck, executive assistant at the office of Indigenous initiatives at U of T, carries the Eagle Feather on stage in Convocation Hall.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

A graduate and her service dog take a moment to paws and reflect on marking an important milestone.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

John Bond, who at age 76 was the oldest U of T Mississauga graduate this spring, drew applause after earning a double major in history and classical civilization after 12 years of study – his third U of T degree.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

A graduate from U of T’s Rotman School of Management tears up as he crosses the stage in Convocation Hall.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Graduates from U of T Scarborough pose for a selfie after their ceremony.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Archer Pechawis, educator, filmmaker, writer and curator, performed at two ceremonies in honour of honorary degree recipients Robert Houle and Alanis Obomsawin.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Family and friends celebrate a new graduate with smiles and photos.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Getting it picture perfect: quick adjustments are made before a graduate heads inside Convocation Hall.

(photo by Lisa Sakulenksy)

Little Amal, a towering puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee, is the centrepiece of a performance art project called The Walk created by honorary degree recipients Adrian Kohler and Basil Jones.

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Graduating students hold hands during honorary degree recipient Wesley Hall’s remarks.

Five spots at U of T to take convocation photos with family and friends

mattimar — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 17:24:38 +0000

Five spots at U of T to take convocation photos with family and friends

mattimar Fri, 06/02/2023 - 13:24

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Hart House (photo by Polina Teif)

St. Michael's College

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The best places on campus for convocation selfies, family portraits and celebratory group photos

With spring convocation in full swing at the ��Ƶ, graduating students might be wondering: where are some of the most Instagrammable places on campus?

From lush green spaces to quirky quads and eye-catching architecture that ranges from the mid-19th century to the modern day, there are many picturesque locations across the three campuses to take selfies, family portraits and celebratory group photos.

In addition to the photo booth operated by Alumni Relations on Galbraith Road, there are many photo locations across U of T’s three campuses that graduates and their friends and families can explore.

Hart House

Hart House and Arbor Room patio (photo by David Lee)

Hart House is a picturesque backdrop to any convocation photo, with its eye-catching architecture and almost Hogwarts feel. The quad, meanwhile, is home to large bronze sculptures and offers elegant views of the building’s stonework and windows.

When the selfies are done, head inside for something to eat. During the week, the Gallery Grill is open for from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a charming convocation lunch while the Arbor Room is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for tasty snacks and drinks.

Philosopher’s Walk

Philosopher's Walk (photo by Polinta Teif)

From the Queen Alexandra Gateway in the north to the Bennett Gates in the south, the leafy Philosopher’s Walk is a meandering path that connects bustling Bloor Street to Hoskin Avenue.

A calming space in the middle of downtown Toronto, the walk features wide cobblestone paths dotted with benches and lush lawns set against a backdrop of old masonry – all of which offer a variety of backgrounds for a great post-convocation snapshot.

The colleges and quads

Sir Daniel Wilson Quad (photo by Polina Teif)

Several stunning quadrangles on the St. George campus are roughly within a 10-minute walk from Convocation Hall.

The nearest to Con Hall is the Sir Daniel Wilson Quad, which can be accessed via King’s College Circle.

Crossing Queen’s Park to the eastern edge of campus, you will find Victoria College’s quad, with its stunning views of Burwash Hall; and St. Michael’s College, whose campus includes Odette Hall – constructed in 1856 and U of T’s oldest building in continuous academic use.

Watkins Pond (and bridge) at U of T Mississauga

Watkins Pond Bridge at UTM (photo by Randy Landicho)

A stone bridge, gently arching over a peaceful, leaf-strewn pond, surrounded by a grove of cool, shady trees.

Watkins Pond is a photographer’s dream and it’s located right alongside Principal’s Road at U of T Mississauga. To get there, follow Outer Circle Road from the campus’s north entrance and take the small road to the left, which will lead you down Principal’s Road to the pond and bridge.

Valley Land Trail at U of T Scarborough

Valley Land Trail at UTSC (photo by Matthew Dochstader)

The Valley Land Trail is a favourite destination for nature-lovers and photographers at U of T Scarborough. This 500-metre-trail connects the campus to the Highland Creek Ravine and boasts several lookout points with accessible seating.

The trail overlooks the gorgeous Highland Creek Valley, so don’t be surprised if you’re photobombed by one of the many colourful birds that inhabit the area – and keep an eye out for opportunities to add a pic of a white-tailed deer or red fox to your convocation camera roll.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023! U of T gears up for spring convocation celebrations

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 26 May 2023 12:40:48 +0000

Congratulations to the Class of 2023! U of T gears up for spring convocation celebrations Christopher.Sorensen Fri, 05/26/2023 - 08:40

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More than 12,700 graduating students are expected to cross the stage at Convocation Hall during 32 ceremonies

Excitement is sweeping across the ��Ƶ’s three campuses as soon-to-be graduates prepare to close one chapter of their lives – and open another – at this spring’s convocation ceremonies.

Family, friends and guests will gather at Convocation Hall to cheer on more than 12,700 graduating students who are expected to cross the stage and receive their degrees during 32 ceremonies held between June 1 and 22.

This spring’s graduates will represent more than 106 countries, including Canada, and range in age from 17 to 79. In total, more than 21,000 students will graduate from U of T this year, including 15,800 this spring.

President Meric Gertler said he is looking forward to celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2023 during U of T’s tradition-rich ceremonies, calling it a personal highlight of the academic year.

“I am truly humbled to be part of this momentous occasion, which marks the culmination of each student’s academic journey,” President Gertler said. “Many members of the Class of 2023 pursued part of their studies during the pandemic’s most difficult years – and their resilience and perseverance have been an inspiration to us all.

“I am confident that each one of our new graduates will use the knowledge, skills and experience they’ve gained during their time at the ��Ƶ to reach new heights of excellence and help shape the world for the better.”

The spring convocation schedule kicks off with the ceremony for the Temerty Faculty of Medicine on June 1 and concludes with Woodsworth College on June 22. The university remains a mask-friendly environment, and supports all those who choose to use a medical mask in high-density indoor spaces when physical distancing is not possible.

While each graduating student has been allotted two tickets for guests inside the hall, the ceremonies will be livestreamed at U of T’s Convocation Hub and an additional viewing area will be set up inside the Sandford Fleming building.

The festivities will feature numerous traditions that date back more than a century, including organ music, convocation speakers, hoods and gowns, a bedel carrying U of T’s gold-plated mace and a 51-bell carillon ringing out from atop Soldiers’ Tower.

The chancellor’s procession will be led by the Eagle Feather Bearer in recognition of the university’s enduring relationship with Indigenous Peoples. The Eagle Feather – a sacred symbol in many Indigenous cultures, including the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas – was first introduced as a ceremonial element during last spring’s convocation ceremonies .

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, U of T staff are busy preparing Convocation Hall and printing parchments, which must then be carefully placed into envelopes and double- and triple-checked against a long list of graduating students. Current and retired faculty, as well as staff, who act as readers during the ceremonies spend hours practising the pronunciation of graduands’ names.

As construction on the Landmark Project progresses, the west side of King’s College Circle will be open for the procession to Convocation Hall from the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship, where students will collect their regalia and assemble. Access to Myhal will be limited to graduating students and those in the academic procession.

Sixteen luminaries are set to receive honorary degrees at this spring’s convocation ceremonies. Graduating students, meanwhile, will be presented on the stage by degree in alphabetical order.

Chancellor Rose Patten, who is chair of convocation and confers all degrees, says every graduate who crosses the stage becomes an ambassador of the values that set U of T apart as a world-leading institution.

“A degree from the ��Ƶ is not only a certificate of academic achievement, but a passport to lifelong learning, leadership and service,” Patten said. “It gives me enormous pride to see our graduates carry forward our commitments to inclusive excellence, collaborative innovation and sustainable stewardship.”

At the end of the ceremony, graduates will follow the chancellor out of Convocation Hall in a recent addition to the academic recessional, said Samantha Smith, acting director of the Office of Convocation.

“The graduates are now treated with the same level of formality as the faculty, staff and other senior officials that are participating,” says Smith. “This further reinforces the message of equity that we work very hard to ensure is present in all 32 ceremonies.”

The recessional will end on Galbraith Road, where graduates can reunite with their guests and take part in activities, including a photo booth operated by Alumni Relations.

In addition to its College Street storefront, the ��Ƶ Bookstore will offer framing services in a tent at Knox College. The courtyard is one of many photogenic locations on the three campuses for pre- and post-graduation snapshots, which can be shared on social media under the hashtag #UofTGrad23.

“On behalf of the ��Ƶ, I want to wish each member of the Class of 2023, as well as their families and friends, a heartfelt congratulations for reaching this important moment,” President Gertler said.

“We can’t wait to see what you do next.”

'Enormous pride': Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education celebrates classes of 2020 and 2021

lanthierj — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 12:31:24 +0000

'Enormous pride': Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education celebrates classes of 2020 and 2021

lanthierj Fri, 12/09/2022 - 07:31

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Alumni who graduated in 2021 and 2020 from the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education are reunited at Convocation Hall on Dec. 7 (all photos by Dewey Chang)

Jelena Damjanovic

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Our Community

2020 & 2021 Graduation Celebrations

Convocation Hall

Alumni

Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

Graduate Students

In March 2020, David Sewell and his classmates walked out of their classroom at the ��Ƶ's Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (KPE), not knowing that it would be the last time they would see each other in person in a classroom again.

A couple of days later, an email from the faculty explained classes would be shifting to a virtual format due to COVID-19, “something none of us, students or faculty, were truly prepared for,” said Sewell, who graduated from the master of professional kinesiology (MPK) program in 2021.

The students of the program were supposed to start their in-field learning in April. But another email informed them that the placements, a key feature of the program, would also be pivoting online or have to be cancelled altogether.

After the initial feeling of frustration and disappointment, Sewell’s mindset started to shift, in large part due to the efforts of KPE Assistant Professor David Frost, director of the MPK program, who used his open format Zoom sessions to regularly check in on the students and discuss their virtual placements.

“We began to realize the opportunity we had been given,” said Sewell. “We were part of the health-care system during the largest public health crisis of the past century. The program connected us with a wide variety of public and private health-related businesses who, just like us, were forced to change how they operate with no notice and no pre-existing plan of how to do it.

“We became part of the solution to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The experience, Sewell says, made them resilient.

“When we all enrolled in the ��Ƶ’s Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, we knew we would be offered a world-class education in this field, but I don’t think any of us ever imagined that the soft skill of resilience would become such a large part of our education,” he says. “We became experts in adapting, we solved problems, we forged new paths, we were leaders in our field.”

This week, Sewell and other KPE alumni who graduated in 2020 and 2021 finally had the opportunity to gather on campus in person to celebrate their academic achievements. They join more than 7,700 grads expected to cross the stage at Convocation Hall in a series of in-person celebrations for the classes of 2020 and 2021. Alumni and their 24,000 anticipated guests will attend 28 special in-person graduation celebrations over 13 days.

Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of KPE, welcomed the KPE classes of 2020 and 2021 in a special graduation celebration at the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport.

“We appreciate that the cancellation of your convocations due to COVID-19 came as a huge disappointment to you, your families, friends, teachers and mentors,” said Kerr. “Our Faculty and the ��Ƶ take enormous pride in your accomplishments and that is why we’re delighted and grateful to welcome you back to campus today for an in-person celebration.”

Kerr congratulated the alumni on graduating from Canada’s top university in challenging times.

“Graduating from a world-renowned, rigorous academic program is something to be proud of at any time, but you did it in the most unusual of times, during a worldwide pandemic that added more than the usual share of challenges to how we study, teach – and go about our daily lives,” she said. “Still, you persevered, and in doing so, you showed why KPE students enjoy the reputation of being hard working, committed and resilient.”

Aalaya Milne came out to celebrate her master of science degree in kinesiology, completed in 2021. Milne previously earned a bachelor of kinesiology from U of T and is pursuing doctoral studies at the faculty.

“It feels surreal being able to stand among you all after months of Zoom calls, just looking at people’s faces in little squares on the computer screen,” she said. “I feel blessed and grateful to be able to celebrate again in person with you all.”

Reflecting on the years behind them, Milne said it wasn’t easy.

“Not only did we choose to be in grad school, but we chose to do it during a global pandemic,” she said. “We saw the challenge that was presented to us, and we rose to the occasion.

“I hope that you all take a moment to think about how incredible your accomplishments truly are.”

‘A big moment’: U of T alumni who graduated with virtual convocations return for in-person celebrations

lanthierj — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 18:03:33 +0000

‘A big moment’: U of T alumni who graduated with virtual convocations return for in-person celebrations

lanthierj Mon, 12/05/2022 - 13:03

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More than 7,700 members of the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 are expected to cross the stage at Convocation Hall (photo by Neil Ta)

Alexa Battler

Topic

Our Community

2020 & 2021 Graduation Celebrations

Convocation Hall

Alumni

Faculty of Arts & Science

OISE

Rhodes Scholar

Rotman Commerce

Rotman School of Management

U of T Scarborough

Liwei Liao didn’t put much thought into his outfit when he viewed his virtual convocation ceremony at ��Ƶ at the height of the pandemic – but next week, he will be getting dressed up.

With an honours bachelor of science degree from U of T Scarborough, Liao is one of more than 7,700 grads expected to cross the stage at Convocation Hall as a part of a series of in-person celebrations for the classes of 2020 and 2021.

He says he’s looking forward to a signature U of T moment.

“It's going to be very special for me and probably one of the best days of my life,” Liao says. “I’ll be thinking about the respect I have for my home campus. This is the place that paved the way to where I am now.”

Alumni and their 24,000 guests will attend 28 special in-person graduation celebrations over 13 days. Cohorts are organized by campus and degree. Two celebrations were already held on Nov. 12 for Rotman School of Management and Rotman Commerce graduates.

Mariana Saraiva

“This graduation celebration was a special milestone for me,” says Mariana Saraiva, who earned an executive MBA degree in 2020. “It was my first experience in Canada graduating, so I am grateful to have been present and have my moment on stage with all my peers and fellow graduates.

“For me, it was extraordinary to return to campus and celebrate what we achieved in person.”

The celebrations include decades-old U of T traditions as well as a new role introduced to U of T convocations this spring – the Eagle Feather Bearer, a sign of the university’s profound respect for Indigenous communities and cultures.

“These in-person celebrations are part two of the initial, virtual convocation ceremonies held at the height of the pandemic,” says Bryn MacPherson, assistant vice-president in U of T’s Office of the President and chief of protocol. “This is the culmination of a multi-year effort to ensure our graduates have as many as possible of the experiences they would have enjoyed during their in-person Convocation ceremonies.”

Institutional leaders, deans and principals from the three campuses will deliver remarks. Each recent grad will then hear their name called and take the short but significant walk across Convocation Hall’s stage.

Ikran Jama, who graduated from the Faculty of Arts & Science last year and is now studying at Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship, says her thoughts will be with the people cheering her on in the audience.

“I’ll be thinking of my parents and the struggles they went through to give me an education and a fighting chance,” Jama says. “To finally see their daughter cross that stage is a big moment for the people I love and care about.”

Jama says she is flying back to Toronto to attend the celebration and is looking forward to visiting family and reconnecting with classmates she hasn’t seen in years, as well as those she only managed to connect with virtually.

“We haven’t seen each other in so long and people have gone across the world,” Jama says. “I'm so excited to come back and speak with them about what they're doing.”

13 days of celebrations – a huge undertaking

Behind the scenes, staff faced an array of logistical challenges when organizing the events – not the least of which was contacting graduates who might not have opened their U of T email in years.

Organizers are taking steps to give alumni from the classes of 2020 and 2021 every chance to attend. Since the initial deadline, more than 350 names have been gathered and added to convocation lists. Organizers said registration of latecomers would continue until the start of the ceremonies – and a limited supply of extra academic gowns will be available on site for those who missed the deadline to order ahead.

Those late entries present another logistical hurdle. Graduates had the ability to provide information about the pronunciation of their name in advance so that this would be captured in the recordings. To accommodate late additions, names will be on different types of cards and delivered live.

Yet, despite the challenges, organizers say they are committed to making these celebrations as special as possible.

“We recognize that the pandemic made reaching this academic achievement more challenging,” says Silvia Rosatone, director of the Office of Convocation. “In partnership with our Faculty and College partners, we are all committed to providing our graduates with the opportunity to celebrate this important milestone.”

Members of the Rotman Commerce Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 celebrate at Convocation Hall (photo by Tam Nguyen)

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