Eagle Feather Bearer

As the leaves changed colour across the ��Ƶ’s three campuses, more than 4,000 members of the Class of 2024 embarked on a new chapter in their lives by crossing the stage inside Convocation Hall.

They were among more than 5,700 U of T graduates to receive their U of T degrees this fall and among more than 21,500 to graduate this year – many having begun their studies during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are some of the highlights of fall convocation ceremonies as captured by U of T photographers:

(photo by Mac Pattanasuttinont)

With the autumn leaves providing a burst of colour overhead, graduates gather outside Convocation Hall with their friends and families.

(photo by Shauna Rempel)

Eagle Feather Bearer Kaitlin Phillips, Indigenous student support specialist at U of T Mississauga, leads the chancellor’s procession into Convocation Hall.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Graduates from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work’s master of social work, Indigenous trauma and resiliency program pose for a group shot on Front Campus.

(photo by Mac Pattanasuttinont)

New beginnings: A smiling grad shakes the hand of Wes Hall, who was officially installed as U of T’s 35th chancellor at the outset of this year’s fall convocation ceremonies.

(photo by Mac Pattanasuttinont)

Smartphone-toting friends and family members strain to capture graduates’ big moments inside Convocation Hall.

(photo by Mac Pattanasuttinont)

Eagle Feather Bearer Adrianna Lewis, left, a master’s student in the Faculty of Information, shares a laugh with Sheree Drummond, secretary of U of T’s Governing Council.

(photo by Marc Alolod)

Proud U of T Scarborough graduates celebrate their achievement with a photo op outside of Convocation Hall.

(photo by Polina Teif)

A graduating student gets a helping hand in making a heart-shaped gesture following his convocation ceremony.

(photo by Polina Teif)

U of T convocation celebrations are often family affairs. This joyful embrace, with the tiniest family member joining in, says it all.

Congratulations Class of 2024! U of T prepares to celebrate graduates at fall convocation

Christopher.Sorensen — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:02:24 +0000

Congratulations Class of 2024! U of T prepares to celebrate graduates at fall convocation Christopher.Sorensen Wed, 10/23/2024 - 12:02

Topic

Subheadline

More than 4,000 students are expected to attend ceremonies in Convocation Hall between Oct. 28 and Nov. 1 - while more than 5,000 students are expected to graduate in total

The autumn air at the ��Ƶ is filled with excitement as students prepare to don hoods and gowns to cross the stage at Convocation Hall, marking the end of an academic journey and beginning of a new chapter.

Between Oct. 28 and Nov. 1, more than 5,700 students will graduate from U of T, with more than 4,000 of them expected to cross the stage at Convocation Hall during 10 scheduled ceremonies.

Students graduating this fall represent 77 countries, including Canada, and range in age from 18 to 77. By the conclusion of the final ceremony, more than 21,500 students from across U of T’s three campuses will have graduated this year – and most of them began their studies just as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking hold.

“On behalf of the ��Ƶ, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the members of the Class of 2024,” said U of T President Meric Gertler. “You have persevered in the face of an extraordinary challenge – and the strength, creativity and determination you have shown in your pursuit of excellence have inspired all of us.”

Throughout this week, staff and faculty will be putting the final touches on preparations, checking the printed parchments and placing them into envelopes, and readying Convocation Hall for the arrival of graduating students and their guests – up to two family members or friends per student. The convocation readers, meanwhile, will be practising and preparing to read aloud the names of each student who crosses the stage.

Fall convocation kicks off with the Faculty of Arts & Science on Oct. 28, with the installation of the new chancellor – Wes Hall. At the morning ceremony on Nov. 1, students from the School of Graduate Studies, the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, and the Faculty of Arts & Science will be joined by honorary degree recipient Jane Corkin, an internationally renowned gallerist.

The ceremonies wrap up on Nov. 1 with U of T Mississauga students the last to cross the stage, for what will mark the final convocation ceremony for John Tuttle, who is retiring after serving as the official organist for the university for 45 years.

All ceremonies will be livestreamed throughout the week on U of T’s Convocation Hub with archived versions of each ceremony available for later viewing. Viewers in mainland China can watch the broadcasts on MyMedia a day or two after the original ceremony date.

The ceremonies will feature numerous traditions, some dating back more than a century. They include 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.

The procession will be led by an Eagle Feather Bearer carrying a ceremonial Eagle Feather – a tradition that symbolizes the university’s deep respect for Indigenous Peoples and cultural traditions and was first introduced to U of T’s convocation ceremonies in spring 2022.

The beaded stole worn by the Eagle Feather Bearer, which symbolizes the enduring partnership between the university and Indigenous Peoples, made its inaugural appearance in convocation ceremonies this past spring.

Throughout the week, the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship will serve as the main hub for students before the ceremonies, with graduands collecting their gown and hood from the lobby of the building. At Alumni Plaza outside Convocation Hall, there will be designated gathering spaces for graduates and their guests, as well as pin giveaways and contest draws. Diploma and portrait framing services and a photobooth will be available at the U of T Bookstore. More information is available in a list of FAQs on the Convocation Hub.

Chancellor Hall expressed his enthusiasm at presiding over convocation for the first time in his new role.

“I’m excited to confer the degrees and to see the joy on the graduates’ faces as they cross the stage,” he said. “It’s a tremendous honour and privilege.

“On behalf of the university community, I want to congratulate each and every member of the Class of 2024 for achieving this important milestone. I’m immensely proud and I can’t wait to see what they will accomplish in their lives and careers.”

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)

Topic

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.

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.

The year in pictures: U of T News looks back at 2022

davidlee — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 17:38:49 +0000

The year in pictures: U of T News looks back at 2022

davidlee Tue, 12/20/2022 - 12:38

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The Toronto High Containment Facility, based at Temerty Faculty of Medicine, houses the largest containment level 3 lab in Ontario. Researchers can study high-risk pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 and HIV, in a safe and secure way. (Photo by Nathan Cyprys)

Mariam Matti

Topic

City & Culture

Back to School 2022

Black Research Network

Eagle Feather Bearer

Institutional Strategic Initiatives

Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy

Global

International

Photographs

Research & Innovation

Undergraduate Students

Members of the ��Ƶ community shared many memorable moments across the three campuses in 2022.

In spring, graduating students returned to Convocation Hall. In fall, more than 90,000 students from across Canada and around the world were welcomed back to U of T for what President Meric Gertler described as “our biggest back-to-school ever.” Through the year, the university’s renowned scholars continued to make their mark through pathbreaking research and innovation that made an impact locally and globally. Meanwhile, events with world leaders deepened the university’s international collaborations and partnerships.

For all those highlights and more, U of T News photographers were there. Below is a selection of striking images and special moments from 2022:

Indigenous artist Que Rock, a member of the Nipissing First Nation, stands in front of the mural he created honouring the 215 children whose unmarked graves were discovered at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C., in 2021.

The mural is on the north facade of the building housing U of T’s John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. (Photo by Nadya Kwandibens/Red Works Photography)

The Hidden Stories project, co-ordinated by the research team at U of T Mississauga’s Old Books New Science Lab and funded by the Mellon Foundation, aims to explore the systems, peoples and cultures that make a book.

Alexandra Gillespie, U of T vice-president and U of T Mississauga principal, leads the Old Books New Science Lab. (Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

The founders of the Black Research Network, Alissa Trotz, Beth Coleman, Rhonda McEwen and Maydianne Andrade, appeared in an episode of Groundbreakers, a U of T multimedia series on Institutional Strategic Initiatives, to discuss Black research excellence and enhancing the research capacity of Black scholars across U of T's tri-campus community.

The renowned scholars and pathbreaking leaders also discussed the origins of the Black Research Network and opportunities for collaboration and policy change. (Photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, delivered an address and participated in a Q and A with students at U of T and other universities across Canada at an event hosted by U of T President Meric Gertler and the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy in June. (Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

More than 90,000 U of T students were welcomed back to U of T for their fall term with a wide range of events, including a cheer-off at Varsity Stadium on the St. George campus. (Photo by Johnny Guatto)

The proximity of the U of T Scarborough campus to Highland Creek Valley and Rouge National Urban Park offered many opportunities for students to enjoy the outdoors throughout the seasons.

A year-round program started by Athletics and Recreation organizes activities such as snowshoeing, hiking, dragon boating and rock climbing. (Photo by Don Campbell)

U of T President Meric Gertler welcomed Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korean president, to Simcoe Hall to discuss artificial intelligence and opportunities for further collaboration between the university and South Korean partners.

The meeting included a roundtable discussion titled “AI for the Better Future of Humanity,” that featured AI leaders and luminaries, including University Professor Emeritus ��Ƶ and Lee Jong-ho, South Korea’s minister of science and ICT (information and communication technology). (Photo by Polina Teif)

Kaeliana Smoke, a master’s student in anthropology at U of T Mississauga, was a member of the inaugural cohort of Eagle Feather Bearers during spring convocation.

The Eagle Feather Bearer carries a ceremonial Eagle Feather into Convocation Hall at the outset of each ceremony. The new tradition symbolizes the university’s enduring partnership with Indigenous Peoples. (Photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

The U of T Scarborough Cheer Team – open to all U of T students, regardless of athletic ability – is one of hundreds of clubs and extracurricular options students participated in across U of T’s three campuses this year. (Photo by Geoffrey Vendeville)

In 2022, a new ranking placed the university second in the world for sustainability, recognizing the way sustainability permeates U of T's entire mission of research and teaching as well as its operations.

The greenhouse atop the Davis Building at U of T Mississauga, which provides research opportunities for undergraduate biology students, is home to some annuals, including beans and corn and has a permanent collection of flora that includes hibiscus, orchids, mosses, peppers, cotton, bananas and figs. (Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

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)

Topic

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.

‘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)

Topic

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