Convocation 2022

Inspired by her father’s message, Jacque/line Lavallee earns doctorate at age 79: CTV

mattimar — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:17:03 +0000

Inspired by her father’s message, Jacque/line Lavallee earns doctorate at age 79: CTV

mattimar Tue, 11/15/2022 - 11:17

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Jacque/line Lavallee, pictured here when she served as an Eagle Feather Bearer during spring convocation, graduated this fall with a doctorate in education from OISE (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

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City & Culture

Convocation 2022

Graduate Stories

Indigenous

OISE

St. George

It has been a lifelong dream of Jacque/line Lavallee to receive a doctorate in education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the ��Ƶ, reports CTV National News.

The 79-year-old great-grandmother, who is Indigenous, told the news outlet that her father was her inspiration for continuing her education.

“I only knew him for a short time when I was a kid, but he always stated, ‘When you get big, when you become a woman, you need to pursue the educational field,’” said Lavallee, who is an Elder-in-residence at OISE.

Lavallee’s doctoral research focused on the importance of Anishinaabe traditional knowledge in higher education. She centered it around her own story of education and her experiences as a residential school survivor.

“The rest of the world doesn't understand what traditional knowledge is,” she said. “It's oral. It's always spoken. It's not written down on some paper. If you want to learn something, you have to go look at look for it.”

In photos: U of T celebrates newest graduates at fall convocation

davidlee — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 20:47:31 +0000

In photos: U of T celebrates newest graduates at fall convocation

davidlee Fri, 11/11/2022 - 15:47

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There were 10 ceremonies for fall graduates held in U of T's Convocation Hall this year (photo by Johnny Guatto)

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Under falling leaves and (mostly) sunny skies, thousands of ��Ƶ students crossed the stage inside Convocation Hall to accept their degrees during this year’s fall convocation.

About 3,800 graduating students from U of T’s three campuses attended the ceremonies held from Nov. 7 to Nov. 10, along with family and friends.

Check out some of the highlights captured by photographers at the university:

(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

It was all smiles as graduating students made their way inside Convocation Hall on the St. George campus.

(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

There were also plenty of hugs – including one from this friendly visitor.

(Photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Eagle Feather Bearer Tee Duke, director of Indigenous initiatives at U of T Mississauga, and U of T Chancellor Rose Patten prepare to lead the procession into Convocation Hall.

(Photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

The ceremonies inside Convocation Hall were livestreamed online and can be watched again at U of T’s Convocation Hub.

(Photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Indigenous graduates are welcome to wear their traditional regalia in place of an academic gown during U of T’s convocation ceremonies.

(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

There's always time for FaceTime after graduating with your U of T degree.

(Photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

What does it feel like to graduate from U of T? The faces say it all.

A former boxer and fitness trainer, U of T grad finds his calling in academic research

Christopher.Sorensen — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 20:55:55 +0000

A former boxer and fitness trainer, U of T grad finds his calling in academic research

Christopher.Sorensen Thu, 11/10/2022 - 15:55

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Kyle Farwell, pictured here with his son Logan, graduated this week with a bachelor of kinesiology degree and is already pursuing his graduate studies (photo courtesy of Kyle Farwell)

Jelena Damjanovic

Topic

Our Community

Convocation 2022

University Family Housing

Graduate Stories

Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

Kyle Farwell devoted most of his 20s to amateur boxing, hoping to one day qualify for the Olympics.

“It consumed my life,” he says. “It was all about getting in the boxing gym before work, after work, on the weekends.”

He qualified for the Commonwealth Games, but eventually decided not to pursue a boxing career further. Instead, he turned to personal training, which occupied the next 13 years of his life – and ultimately led him to study kinesiology at the ��Ƶ.

“I was still working as a certified personal trainer full time when I started my undergraduate degree,” says Farwell, who graduated this week from the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (KPE).

He says wanted to learn more about the knowledge and research that underpinned his industry.

“I worked really hard to be good at my job and felt rewarded when my input was required to assess clients and train new staff, but I always wondered, ‘Why are we doing things this way?' For example, if somebody’s knee goes, how do we know that it’s this muscle that’s failing, that we need to strengthen? The fitness industry can sometimes speak in absolutes.”

On top of having an inquisitive mind, Farwell had personal reasons for going back to school. After undergoing back surgery several years ago, he decided working in a gym wasn’t helping his recovery. He also had a young family to think about: a wife and son.

“Coincidentally, the Ontario government was starting to supplement OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) with more grants towards mature students,” Farwell says. “I didn't want to ask myself later in life – or have my son ask me – ‘What were you doing when they were giving away free education?’ I wanted to have a good answer for that.”

So, he applied to kinesiology at U of T and never looked back – even applying to do research over the summer months.

“I had such a great time in my first year that I didn't want to just take two months off or work over the summer,” he says. “I knew I would miss being on campus, so I jumped at the opportunity to apply for undergraduate research.”

He worked with Associate Professor Katherine Tamminen from KPE’s Sport and Performance Psychology lab to explore athletes’ emotional responses to injury. Not only could Farwell personally relate to the research, he says he was soon “hooked on it” and credits Tamminen for helping to launch his academic research career. “I love running into Professor Tamminen and telling her that when I see her,” he says.

Another highlight: a cadaver anatomy dissection project with Assistant Professor David Frost that was co-supervised by Associate Professor Judi Laprade from U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, KPE Assistant Professor Timothy Burkhart and Tyson Beach, now a lecturer in biomechanics at the University of Waterloo.

“That was an incredible experience,” says Farwell. “I was literally working with spines every day. There was so much to take in.”

(Image via ��Ƶ)

Beyond his coursework and research, Farwell has fond memories the three years he spent living in Student Family Housing on Charles Street.

“It was such a cool time in our life,” he says. “My son Logan had daycare across the hall from one of my classes, so I’d bring him to daycare and then just walk across the hall to my class and everybody got to meet him and talk to him and give him high fives.”

The only challenge during his studies was time, “but there’s nothing unique to that,” he says. “It was hard to balance everything, but the [KPE] offers tremendous resources – you just have to use them.”

His advice to students coming behind him? “Do ordinary things really well. There’s nothing unique to me, but what I did well is I showed up to every class. I don't think I missed a class in undergrad. I sat in the front row. I asked questions when I had them. I didn't care what people thought of me, even though everybody was great. I did the readings. Anybody can do that.

“This is a good program and everybody worked hard to get here, so don't take your foot off the gas now that you’re here.”

Farwell certainly didn’t. He’s already working on a master’s degree in kinesiology with Frost as his supervisor.

“I’m loving it,” he says. “Because of the research I did in my undergrad, I already have some data to back up some of the things that I plan to investigate for my master thesis – specifically, how certain constraints affect different movement features in an individual.

“I love the research process, but my real interest is in applying that knowledge to the general population in a meaningful way.”

'I love bringing people together': U of T grad focuses on social justice, inclusivity and community-building

Christopher.Sorensen — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 14:10:05 +0000

'I love bringing people together': U of T grad focuses on social justice, inclusivity and community-building

Christopher.Sorensen Thu, 11/10/2022 - 09:10

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Lashae Watson, who graduated this week from the Faculty of Arts & Science, wants to help create social change that is rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion and access (photo courtesy of Lashae Waston)

Sean McNeely

Topic

Our Community

Convocation 2022

Faculty of Arts & Science

Victoria College

Lashae Watson spent much of her time at the ��Ƶ creating spaces and opportunities for students to feel seen, heard and understood.

“I come from a family of community leaders and helpers, and I've seen the power of education,” says Watson, a member of Victoria College who is graduating this week from the Faculty of Arts & Science with an honours bachelor of arts degree in equity studies and human geography, with a focus in urban geography.

Upon arriving at U of T, Watson was convinced she was going to study criminology en route to becoming a criminal lawyer. However, she says she had difficulty finding opportunities to explore her passions. So, she visited Victoria College’s registrar and explored several potential areas of study, emphasizing her desire to pursue a degree that would better enable her to be a part of social change rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion and access.

The registrar guided her towards equity studies and human geography – and she soon began taking courses in the field.

“I thought, ‘Yeah, this is me’… I knew instantly that I was going to be happy – I knew this was my place,” Watson says. “It became apparent that human geography was going to play a critical role in my life because it instantly enabled me to better articulate many of the social injustices I was both witnessing and experiencing, but didn't have the terminology to explain.”

She highlights the importance of having Black and racialized professors and instructors.

“For the first time, I heard a professor say there was slavery in Canada,” she says. “That was a pivotal moment for me because I knew that – but these open and honest conversations are not often had in institutional spaces. I was grateful.”

That contentment and feeling of purpose extended to Watson’s efforts outside the classroom. She joined groups and events focused on making the university experience more equitable and inclusive.

That includes serving on the equity commission of Victoria College’s student administration. “We discussed creating more equitable opportunities for the college’s students,” says Watson.

As Halloween approached, the group hosted a cultural appropriation event, discussing what was appropriate and inappropriate for costumes.

“That was really important for me because I have been in spaces where people were mimicking my culture and that of my loved ones,” says Watson. “So it was important to know that I was around like-minded folks who cared about those experiences.”

She was also involved in campus events such as Arts at the Intersection, hosted by the Victoria University Students’ Administrative Council (VUSAC) equity commission.

“This was an amazing opportunity for racialized artists to debut their work,” says Watson, noting she, too, had shared her poems. “It was the first time that I had ever let someone else read my poetry. That was big for me.”

Watson also worked as the events director for Vic Blvck (Victoria College’s Black Student Network), fostering inclusivity by creating and holding space for Black and other students to come together and feel welcomed and supported.

“I love bringing people together,” Watson says. “And that became my prerogative in my role at Vic Blvck: creating opportunities for Black students to come together to talk about our experiences, including our struggles and our triumphs.

“Very often, when we talk about the experiences of Black, Indigenous and racialized groups, we're so focused on trauma – and while it’s incredibly important that we hold space to have those conversations, there's so much more to us than that. There's celebration, there's love, there's activism, there's care in our spaces, and I wanted to reiterate that every time we came together.”

Watson shares one especially rewarding memory of her time with Vic Blvck: a healing session she helped organize. A student said to her, “I feel good. I feel like I've spoken about things that I had never spoken about before.”

Watson took part in several conferences, including Victoria College's Racism and Anti-Racism in Higher Ed Conference, where she was one of three student panelists.

What drives Watson’s commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity?

“Everything I do is for my younger family members and loved ones, because I want them to be in spaces where they feel safe and heard,” she says. “If I'm making changes now, when they get to these same spaces, it’s my hope that that will be the case.”

Watson is now considering completing a master of social work degree. Her goal is to become a school trustee within the next four years.

“I’m committed to fostering social change rooted in equity, diversity and inclusion,” she says. “And my goal is to support people in the same way I've been supported. I believe social work will give me the ability to do that.”

She would also be following in her mom's footsteps.

“My mother was a single mom. She went back to school when I was young. She did it all. She got her college diploma then her bachelors of social work, and then her master of social work. Coming from a family of such strong and perseverant women, there's no way for me not to be strong.”

Grad focuses on empowering women – on campus and beyond

Christopher.Sorensen — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:51:40 +0000

Grad focuses on empowering women – on campus and beyond

Christopher.Sorensen Wed, 11/09/2022 - 11:51

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Neha Sharma, who founded the UTM Women in Law student group in her third year, says she hopes to continue her work after graduating by launching a non-profit focused on women's rights and empowerment (photo courtesy of Neha Sharma)

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Neha Sharma’s passion for empowering women is evident in her post-convocation plans, which so far includes becoming a lawyer who specializes in women’s rights issues and launching a non-profit.

With plans to study law, Sharma was involved in executive roles at more than seven student groups during her undergraduate years at the ��Ƶ Mississauga.

That included the UTM Mock Trial Competition and UTM Women in Law, which she founded in an effort to empower women lawyers and build a community.

“It was meeting new people outside of academics,” says Sharma, 22, who is graduating this week with a double major in criminology, law and society, and sociology. “If you meet like-minded people, it’s great. You can network, you can go to their events, you can meet lawyers, law students, and talk to them.”

All of that networking cemented Sharma’s desire to pursue law, an interest she says began at U of T Mississauga.

“I was in second year and took a few crime courses and it was really interesting to learn about so many social issues,” says Sharma, who plans to become a criminal lawyer who is focused on women’s rights issues.

She then began looking to different clubs on campus, particularly those focused on law or women’s rights. She ended up founding the UTM Women in Law student group.

“There was no club related to those two things,” Sharma says. “That’s why I started it.”

Extracurricular activities were also her way to unwind from a heavy course load. Her active participation and initiative prompted her sociology professor, Jerry Flores, to nominate Sharma for a UTM Student Leadership award last year, which she went on to win.

“I was really surprised,” Sharma says.

A self-described introvert, Sharma says she had to learn how to be talk to new people. It’s why she loved the UTM Mock Trial Competition – it forced her to learn, she says.

“You really have to talk, be a good speaker – and those are things you can learn,” Sharma says. “Ultimately when you have to do it, you have to do it.”

Sharma recently moved to London, Ont., where she plans to complete her LSAT, apply to law schools and start a non-profit organization focused on women’s rights and empowerment.

“Similar to the club I started in fourth year, I want to promote women’s empowerment in everything – not just law,” Sharma says.

U of T grad and her prof share a research history that spans provinces

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 16:26:42 +0000

U of T grad and her prof share a research history that spans provinces

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 11/08/2022 - 11:26

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Julia Rickard, left, who graduates with a master's degree this week, first met Assistant Professor Amy Kirkham, right, when they were at the University of Alberta (photo courtesy of Julia Rickard)

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Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

Graduate Students

Julia Rickard was the very first student to join Amy Kirkham’s lab at the ��Ƶ – and this week, she became the first student to graduate from it, too.

The pair first ran into each other at the University of Alberta, where Rickard was wrapping up a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology and Kirkham was pursuing her post-doctoral research. After completing a practicum under Kirkham’s supervision, Rickard followed Kirkham to U of T, where Kirkham had accepted the position of assistant professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE).

She says being part of Kirkham’s U of T lab was an eye-opening experience.

“I came in with a mainly breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and exercise background, but projects in the Kirkham lab cover a wide range of different populations with chronic disease, lifestyle behaviours, interventions and data collection techniques,” says Rickard, who earned a master of science degree in kinesiology from U of T. “Everyone has a different perspective and expertise to bring to the table, which makes for some very interesting and cutting-edge projects.”

For her thesis project, Rickard looked at the relationship between a history of breast cancer and the role of lifestyle behaviours such as physical activity, diet and smoking in risk of cardiovascular disease in women.

Using data from an existing database, Rickard’s research project led to two major findings.

The first was that the Framingham Risk Score, a common clinical tool used by physicians worldwide to estimate a patient’s cardiovascular disease risk, significantly underestimated the actual cardiovascular disease risk in breast cancer survivors. “We found that the Framingham Risk Score did not predict different levels of risk among breast cancer survivors and women without cancer, but the breast cancer survivors experienced significantly more cardiovascular disease events, including death, over the following 13 years,” says Rickard.

The second finding was that the role of physical activity, diet and smoking in risk of cardiovascular disease events was the same in all women, regardless of whether they had a prior breast cancer diagnosis. Rickard’s research also showed that lifestyle behaviours were some of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular disease events in breast cancer survivors.

“Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide and, due to improvements in both early detection and cancer treatment, the survival rate for early-stage breast cancer has improved by over 40 per cent in the last 40 years,” says Rickard. “However, this increase in survivorship has been accompanied by an increased awareness of the excess risk of cardiovascular disease in this population.

“Breast cancer survivors are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease at all time-points following their diagnosis compared to the general population.”

The findings from her thesis could have significant implications for cardiovascular disease risk management in breast cancer survivors in Canada and around the world.

“The results of my research show that lifestyle interventions focused on physical activity, diet and smoking cessation would likely be just as effective at reducing cardiovascular disease risk in breast cancer survivors as they are in women without cancer, and that they are important components of risk reduction beyond traditional medical management,” says Rickard.

“They also show that the Framingham Risk Score is not an accurate tool in this population and breast cancer survivors are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease than predicted.”

The implication is that some survivors at high risk are missing out on receiving adequate cardiovascular risk management care, something that Rickard is hoping to rectify by working with Kirkham on an adjustment to the Framingham Risk Tool that can be used by physicians to more accurately predict cardiovascular disease risk in women who have had breast cancer.

Kirkham says she is incredibly proud of Rickard’s accomplishments, especially given all the ups-and-downs of trying to do in-person research during the COVID-19 pandemic and then having to pivot to an entirely new thesis project requiring advanced statistical modelling techniques.

“Thanks to her persistence and adaptability, Julia’s master’s thesis is not only complete, but will be an exceptional contribution to the literature,” she says. “I am continually impressed by the passion and determination of the trainees who join my lab, and it’s a huge part of my daily motivation.”

As she works on publishing her thesis results, Rickard is enjoying having a little more free time.

“I’m not sure what’s to come but I know it will be focused on health promotion and chronic disease prevention,” she says.

Annette Kennedy, renowned nurse and nursing advocate, receives honorary degree

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 14:25:01 +0000

Annette Kennedy, renowned nurse and nursing advocate, receives honorary degree Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 11/08/2022 - 09:25

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Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing

As president of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), Annette Kennedy represented 28 million nurses in 130 countries when they needed her most – during some of the most challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kennedy brought decades of experience and unwavering advocacy to the role – and, in the year since her term ended, she has continued to be a champion for nurses and health care.

“There is always a solution,” Kennedy told writer Rebecca Biason recently. “Nurses are not always great at talking about the lives we save every day or advocating for ourselves, but we need to realize it is a long game that requires patience, passion, and persistence.

“We need to be a collective of voices.”

Today, Kennedy receives a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from the ��Ƶ in recognition of her dedicated and influential leadership in the nursing profession, and for championing equity and inclusivity, human rights and universal health care.

Born in Ireland, Kennedy holds a diploma in management, a bachelor of arts degree in nursing studies and a master of science degree in public sector analysis. She would later build a career dedicated to transforming health care in Ireland and around the globe, particularly in the European Union (EU).

Kennedy discovered her passion for leadership education as a ward manager during the 1980s in Ireland, where she noticed there was no continuing education for nurse managers. As director of professional development for the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation for 19 years, Kennedy launched a program centred around leadership education for nurses – one of her many advancements for health-care systems in Ireland.

As a registered nurse tutor at Beaumont Hospital, located in Dublin, Ireland, Kennedy established the country’s first neurosurgical intensive care unit, organized the hospital’s post-registration specialist training programs for nurses – and got creative when faced with budget challenges that prevented her from procuring badly needed equipment.

”I contacted several companies and asked if I could try out some of their ventilators and cardiac monitors, indicating if we liked their equipment we would put in an order to buy many,” Kennedy recounted in a 2017 speech.

“They gave me equipment on loan to try out which I duly used for my patients. So every time the company representatives returned to remove their equipment it was always in use and I would say, ‘It is in use. I can't disconnect from the patient, I don't have another ventilator.’”

(photo by Steve Frost)

As a commissioner on the World Health Organization’s Independent High Level Commission on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Kennedy helped develop measures to support countries efforts to manage the burden of chronic diseases. She also worked with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to create the organization’s first chief nursing officer role.

Kennedy was recognized with the WHO Director-General’s Global Health Leaders Award last November for her contributions as president of ICN.

“I would now like to personally thank you, President Kennedy – Annette – for your outstanding and passionate leadership of the global nursing community,” Tadros said. “We began our respective roles around the same time. And we have worked closely our entire tenure. Your leadership, values, and clear voice have played a crucial role in strengthening nursing these past four years.

“You have inspired and will continue to inspire generations of nurses and women globally.”

Kennedy continues to be a strong advocate for the ability of nurses to lead conversations on global health system challenges. At the World Health Summit in Berlin last year, she underscored the hardships nurses have endured during the pandemic. “I worked in intensive care for many years, I nursed many patients who died quickly and without warning. And I remember every one of those patients who died, so I can’t imagine what those nurses will be feeling after this is over,” Kennedy said in an address to politicians, health professionals and scientists. “There will be no health systems without nurses.”

Kennedy has more recently worked with the Santa Marta Group, an alliance of international police chiefs and bishops, and other groups focused on eliminating human trafficking and modern-day slavery.

The recipient of numerous awards, Kennedy – who will deliver the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing’s annual Verna Huffman Splane Lecture on Nov. 9, 2022 – received an honorary degree from Dublin City University in 2021 and was named one of more than 100 most influential nurse leaders in 2020 by Women in Global Health and WHO. She received an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2017.

In her planned remarks to U of T graduates in nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and public health, Kennedy emphasized the critical role played by health-care workers throughout history.

“Courage, compassion and humanity are still evident in health care today and will ultimately be part of your legacy. You are the custodians of this legacy – guard it well.”

Varsity Blues pitcher recovers from slow start to graduate with top marks – and a championship ring

Christopher.Sorensen — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 17:14:29 +0000

Varsity Blues pitcher recovers from slow start to graduate with top marks – and a championship ring

Christopher.Sorensen Mon, 11/07/2022 - 12:14

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Conall Helverson, who is graduating this week from St. Michael's College, helped the Varsity Blues baseball team win an Ontario University Athletics championship in 2021 (photos by Seyran Mammadov)

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Faculty of Arts & Science

St. Michael's College

Varsity Blues

Conall Helverson has much to be proud of as he looks back on his time at the ��Ƶ – including a GPA of almost 4.0.

Helverson can also take pride in a perfect five wins and zero losses as a starting pitcher for the Varsity Blues baseball team in 2021, an Ontario University Athletics All-Star selection, and an OUA championship ring.

Helverson is a member of St. Michael’s College and is graduating this fall with majors in both history and philosophy of science and technology, and book and media studies.

A right-handed pitcher, he played baseball in high school and had offers from American universities to join their programs. His goal? To play in the majors. But an elbow injury in Grade 12 not only interrupted his baseball dreams, it also waylaid his academic plans. Because of the time he missed due to his injury, he didn't have the grades he needed to enter the computer science or engineering programs he was considering.

After much rehabilitation and hard work, Helverson became co-captain of the Blues and a star player. He also closed out his academic career at U of T on a high note, too.

Helverson recently spoke with writer Chris Sasaki about his fall convocation and accomplishments on and off the field.

How does it feel to be graduating?

I feel proud. There were times during my first two years when I thought I wasn’t going to make it unless I turned things around. So, I went from not showing up for class, not caring and doing below-par work – to working hard, doing well and finishing with a grade point average that I’m very proud of.

Can you tell us more about your history and philosophy of science and technology program?

It was fascinating. We learned about early diseases and how the practice of medicine grew. I was personally interested in this because I have Crohn’s disease and I started thinking about how it all applied to me. Crohn’s is an autoimmune disease and there's no cure for it, so I started thinking how rewarding it would be to be a part of a research team working to find a cure or treatment.

I don't necessarily want to be a doctor, but I’d enjoy being part of a biotech research team that works in that field. That’s why I eventually want to do a master's, either in experimental medicine or biotechnology in the medical and public-health technology sphere. What’s more, any advancements in treating or finding a cure for Crohn’s would be applicable to any other kind of autoimmune disease, cancers and so on.

In your second year, you joined Professor Paolo Granata’s Media Ethics Lab. What led to that?

In my first year, I took Professor Granata’s McLuhan seminar in creativity and technology – and, as part of the course, we went to Silicon Valley and went everywhere. We toured LinkedIn, the Intel Museum and Apple’s headquarters. I really enjoyed it. Then, he suggested I might like doing a book and media studies major. So, that’s what I did.

I also joined his Media Ethics Lab and that was an incredible experience. We worked in teams and were assigned different topics: digital media, digital societies and digital cities, which is what my team worked on. We studied questions like: What is a digital city? What are the dangers related to surveillance? What threats are there to personal freedom and privacy? It was fascinating.

What was it like to play on U of T’s Varsity Blues baseball team?

It was great. I didn’t play my first year because I was still injured. But I just kept working hard through the pain and by my second year, I’d built my arm back up and taught myself to throw again. I got to where I was able to throw an inning or two at a time, so I was the closing relief pitcher. I didn’t give up a single run that season and made the all-star team and it kind of built from there. The next year was COVID, so no baseball. But in 2021, I became a starter and ended up 5 and 0. The team had a perfect season and we won the championship.

But more importantly, I was one of the co-captains on the team that season. We were the leaders of the team, rallying the guys, keeping them on the right track. To me the key was: even if you’re the best team talent-wise – which we were – we had to work like we were the worst team. Stuff like that was what I took the most pride in. It was probably the best four years of baseball I’ve ever experienced.

Looking back on your undergraduate years, what advice would you give yourself as a first-year student?

Go easy on yourself. It’s in my nature to be very hard on myself and, as an athlete, be very competitive and a high achiever. But I stressed myself out, having to have a plan, having to know what I’m doing at every moment, having to have the best marks. I was very hard on myself at a time when I was just trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted out of life. I was comparing myself to the people around me and it seemed like they were all doing a lot better than me. As a result, I didn’t let myself enjoy things. So, if I could go back and tell myself anything, it’d be: “Go easy on yourself. Everyone has their own path. It’ll all work out. Enjoy it because it goes by quickly.”

‘Your ancestors walk with you’: Eagle Feather Bearers reflect on new tradition ahead of fall convocation

lanthierj — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:25:33 +0000

‘Your ancestors walk with you’: Eagle Feather Bearers reflect on new tradition ahead of fall convocation

lanthierj Thu, 11/03/2022 - 12:25

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Eagle Feather Bearers are members of the U of T community and an Indigenous community. The new ceremonial role was introduced during spring convocation this year (all photos by Lisa Sakulensky)

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Indigenous Initiatives

Convocation Hall

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

The chancellor’s procession at the ��Ƶ’s fall convocation ceremonies will once again be led by the Eagle Feather Bearer – a ceremonial role first adopted in the spring as a symbol of the university’s enduring partnership with Indigenous Peoples.

As a sign of the university’s profound respect for Indigenous communities and cultures, the Eagle Feather Bearer carries a ceremonial Eagle Feather into Convocation Hall at the outset of each convocation ceremony, followed by the bedel carrying U of T’s gold-plated mace.

Tee Duke, director of Indigenous Initiatives at U of T Mississauga, leads the chancellor’s procession during a convocation ceremony in the spring (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Nominated by their faculty or division, Eagle Feather Bearers are members of the U of T community and an Indigenous community.

“The Eagle Feather, gifted to the Office of the President by U of T’s Elders Circle on behalf of U of T’s Truth and Reconciliation Steering Committee in 2017, carries great honour, and symbolizes wisdom and respect,” said Shannon Simpson, director of Indigenous initiatives at the university.

“Our Bearers are ambassadors of the community, and their presence lets Indigenous students know they matter, and they are seen.”

U of T News spoke with three community members who were Eagle Feather Bearers during spring convocation (see the full list below). They shared their personal experiences of the role, offered words of advice and reflected on messages of hope for future generations.

John Croutch

Indigenous training co-ordinator, Office of Indigenous Initiatives

(Photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

“It felt bittersweet, but it was exciting and it was important to me. For too long, Indigenous people have been excluded, and to be leading the procession was a refreshing reminder that showed Indigenous Peoples have a role to play.

Years ago, I received an Eagle Feather – one of the highest honours you can receive, because the eagle flies closest to the Creator – from Elder Lillian McGregor, and Lillian told me it signifies recognizing a person with vision. Vision is about asking where we are going when it comes to reconciliation, and I think it’s significant that U of T implemented this new element in recognition of Indigenous Peoples.

I want young people who are carrying that feather to be proud of who they are and to hold their heads high – and to recognize that this is a small step, but an important step, to opening the university up for future generations to see themselves as a successful, vibrant, and important part of this country.”

Kaeliana Smoke

Master’s student in anthropology, U of T Mississauga

(Photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

“It was an honour to be part of the ceremony, and it felt so rewarding after all the work that I’ve done over the years at U of T. At UTM, I created multiple new programs – I started the first Indigenous book club at UTM, for example – and so to be part of something new that helped increase Indigenous visibility and made us feel seen during the ceremony, and to honour the Indigenous community at U of T, it felt very on theme for me.

My parents were there, and my grandparents were there. I was really proud of that moment, and I was so happy for them to be there.

To future Eagle Feather Bearers – as you’re walking up on that stage, it’s going to feel so profound and so powerful. It’s going to feel like your ancestors walk with you, like you’re being supported by an entire U of T community behind you, and by everyone that came before you.”

Jason Bazylak

Professor in the department of mechanical & industrial engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, dean’s adviser on Indigenous initiatives

(Photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

“I had a very positive experience. I thought the university was very supportive in adopting and honouring the Eagle Feather Bearer role within the ceremony. Leading the procession was symbolic of the presence of Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island before all of this, even before the long history here at U of T.

I sent a note out to my network of Indigenous colleagues around Canada and the United States to say, ‘Look what we did!’ and I was quite proud of it. A couple colleagues made a point to come out and see me and we took some selfies because they thought it was a big occasion. I was pleased to be a part of it, and I will continue to be a part of it [this fall].

It’s always brought to light that there’s a long journey towards reconciliation, and we’re very far from that. But we still need to take the time to celebrate the accomplishments as we move along that path. And as leaders in the Indigenous community, I think it’s wonderful to be able to show – particularly our younger students and junior faculty and staff – that we are here, we are present, and we are welcome.”

Here is the full list of Eagle Feather Bearers who took part in spring convocation (and who are featured in the article’s main image and the photo viewer below):

Shannon Simpson
Miyopin Cheechoo
Sara Wolfe
Michael White
Sandra Laronde
Lisa Boivin
Jeff Trapp
Robin Gray
Tee Duke
Stacy Allison-Cassin
Kaeliana Smoke
Lindsey Fechtig
Riley Yesno
Naulaq LeDrew
Jennifer Brant
Mike DeGagne
Jason Bazylak
Jonathan Hamilton-Diabo
John Croutch
Juanita Muise
Sarena Johnson
Jaris Swidrovich
Constance Simmonds
Jacque Lavallee

U of T prepares to celebrate graduating students at fall convocation

mattimar — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:36:43 +0000

U of T prepares to celebrate graduating students at fall convocation mattimar Tue, 11/01/2022 - 12:36

Topic

As the weather grows crisp and its three campuses are set ablaze with gold and red foliage, the ��Ƶ is preparing to celebrate graduating students with ceremonies at Convocation Hall.

More than 5,600 students are eligible to graduate as members of the Class of 2022 this fall – with more than 3,800 scheduled to cross the stage during 10 convocation ceremonies to be held between Nov. 7 and Nov. 10.

Continuing a rich tradition, the in-person ceremonies will include organ music, convocation speakers, hoods and gowns, a bedel carrying U of T’s gold-plated mace and an Eagle Feather Bearer – the latter drawn from members of the Indigenous community, including students, staff, faculty, alumni and Elders. The Eagle Feather was first incorporated into U of T’s convocation ceremonies this spring as a symbol of the university’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

In addition, the 51-bell carillon will ring out from atop Soldiers’ Tower after each ceremony.

“On behalf of the entire ��Ƶ, I would like to extend congratulations to all of our students graduating this fall,” said U of T President Meric Gertler. “You have all overcome challenging circumstances to arrive at this milestone – and in doing so you have demonstrated perseverance, resilience and optimism.

“We are immensely proud of your achievements and look forward to celebrating this occasion with you in Convocation Hall.”

Fall convocation kicks off with the Faculty of Arts & Science on Nov. 7 and continues through Nov. 10 (see the full schedule here). Graduating students will collect their regalia and assemble for the procession at the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

In keeping with the university’s mask-friendly policy, graduating students, their families and friends are welcome to mask while on campus and are asked to respect others’ decisions, comfort levels and health needs.

The ceremonies themselves begin with a chancellor’s procession that includes President Gertler, Chancellor Rose Patten, the bedel and esquires. Graduating students will be presented on the stage one-by-one in alphabetical order.

Each ceremony will also be livestreamed at U of T’s Convocation Hub.

Graduating students from the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, the Faculty of Dentistry, the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health will be joined by honorary degree recipient Annette Kennedy, president emeritus of the International Council of Nurses, on Nov. 8.

Chancellor Patten said she is looking forward to conferring the degrees.

“It will be an honour to share your special day, as you reach this moment of personal triumph,” Chancellor Patten said. “Your dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and life-long learning, and your commitment to leadership and service, make you an inspiration for the entire ��Ƶ community.”

Following the ceremony, graduates will process from Convocation Hall onto Galbraith Road, which will be temporarily closed to traffic.

Students and guests can head to the U of T Bookstore to have their degrees framed or purchase souvenirs. A photobooth will also be set up inside the bookstore.

Graduates are encouraged to take photos with their friends and families (#UofTGrad22) at a variety of picturesque locations across the three campuses as Front Campus continues to undergo construction related to the Landmark Project, including the installation of a geoexchange system that will significantly reduce U of T’s carbon footprint.

Convocation 2022

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‘Your ancestors walk with you’: Eagle Feather Bearers reflect on new tradition ahead of fall convocation

John Croutch

Kaeliana Smoke

Jason Bazylak

U of T prepares to celebrate graduating students at fall convocation