Convocation Hall

As the leaves changed colour across the University of Toronto’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.

The man behind the music: U of T’s official organist retires after 45 years

lanthierj — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 17:58:13 +0000

The man behind the music: U of T’s official organist retires after 45 years

lanthierj Tue, 10/29/2024 - 13:58

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John Tuttle, who was first appointed U of T’s university organist in 1979, began playing the piano at age five and took up the organ at age 15 (photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

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Playing as many as 44 convocation ceremonies a year, John Tuttle has become well acquainted with the century-old pipe organ in U of T's Convocation Hall

After nearly a half century behind the pipes, the University of Toronto’s official organist is preparing to play his final graduation ceremony in Convocation Hall – and admits to still feeling nervous, depending on what he plans to play.

That’s because John Tuttle, who is retiring after 45 years, carefully selects the pieces for each ceremony, balancing familiar marches such as Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance with more challenging repertoire.

He says he wants to expose the audience to a wide variety of music.

“I have no idea whether anybody hears it or not,” says Tuttle, who was first appointed university organist in 1979. “Sometimes the talking is so deafening in the place … then afterwards somebody comes up and says, ‘I really enjoyed the Franck or the Bach’, so I guess some of it gets through the chatter.”

Tuttle says patience is required when learning to play the towering pipe organ in U of T's Convocation Hall (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Tuttle begins playing approximately a half hour before each ceremony starts. When the last graduate crosses the stage, he returns to his bench to play Canada’s national anthem. He then often opts for a loud and boisterous symphonic-style organ piece as the crowd exits Convocation Hall.

Tuttle estimates that he’s played 1,500 convocation ceremonies, which U of T holds every spring and fall, and says he is grateful for the opportunities the university has provided.

@uoft The man behind the music: #UofT’s official organist John Tuttle is retiring after 45 years this #UofTGrad24 Read the full story via the link in our bio or at uoft.me/b0M. #organist #convocation @U of T Student Life @uoftmississauga @U of T Scarborough @Hart House ♬ original sound - University of Toronto

He was an adjunct associate professor of organ at the Faculty of Music, conducted the Hart House Chorus from 1985 to 2005 and directed music at Trinity College from 2005 to 2020.

He’s also mentored many students who have gone on to have successful international careers.

“I had letters from people that were in the choir [at Trinity College] that said it grounded their experience at the university,” he says. “I had a chance to work with people across the university – from students to staff to professors – and that has been a great experience.”

Tuttle’s passion for music began early on. He began playing the piano at age five and took up the organ at age 15 after hearing it being played at church, leaving him fascinated with the instrument. His church’s organist provided Tuttle with free lessons in exchange for playing the piano at choir rehearsals – an act of generosity that shaped Tuttle’s teaching philosophy. Over the years, he has offered lessons to students with financial constraints.

“I love the repertoire. I’m very interested in good music in church,” he says. “When I can further that effort with somebody who gets excited about that idea, I find that quite gratifying.”

Tuttle recalls the first convocation speech he heard in 1979 – by honorary degree recipient Donald Coxeter, who had joined U of T’s department of mathematics in 1936.

Donald Coxeter (photo courtesy of University of Toronto Archives)

“I remember him saying, ‘I want to thank the university for paying me all these years for something I was probably going to do anyway,’” he says. “I modeled my career after that. Most of the things I do, I wanted to do. That was a significant convocation for me.”

He says memorable ceremonies included those attended by former prime minister Pierre Trudeau, classical pianist Angela Hewitt and jazz pianist Oscar Peterson – all U of T honorary degree recipients.

Over the years, Tuttle has become well-acquainted with the organ in Convocation Hall and the challenges of maintaining it. Built in 1912, the organ has undergone several modifications and requires constant care.

“It’s a love-hate relationship,” he says.

“Every once in a while, it makes a sound that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It’s not an exact science.”

Tuttle notes that playing the organ requires strong, but flexible hands to sustain notes, as well as a unique co-ordination of hands and feet – making it different than the piano, which he played until his mid-teens.

Tuttle watches, middle row, first from left, as Oscar Peterson plays the piano during his honorary degree ceremony in 1985 (photo courtesy of the University of Toronto Archives)

“It’s a different technique,” he says, contrasting the piano’s subtle touch with the organ’s more mechanical nature.

“With the organ, you’re touching a key, and the valve opens, and the air goes in, and it goes in the same way every time – whether you strike it fast or slowly. The only real control you have is over the length of the note and you can make some notes legato and some notes shorter.”

His advice to students who want to learn the instrument: “Be patient … because you have to work to great detail.”

Angela Hewitt’s 2009 honorary degree ceremony, with Tuttle in the background to the right of the organ (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Retirement is bittersweet for Tuttle. While he still loves music, he says he no longer feels like he can perform at the level he once did.

“When you get to this age, you know that many more things are going to go wrong than they did 10 or 20 years ago,” he says.

As for his future plans, he hopes to continue teaching privately.

“I don’t think I’ve ever gotten rich teaching the organ, but it’s been rich in other ways.”

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

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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 University of Toronto 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 University of Toronto, 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.”

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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The first-ever Indigenous beaded stole was introduced to the University of Toronto’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

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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 University of Toronto’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 University of Toronto 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 University of Toronto 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 University of Toronto’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 University of Toronto, 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 University of Toronto 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 University of Toronto’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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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 University of Toronto’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 University of Toronto 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 University of Toronto,” 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 University of Toronto 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 University of Toronto, 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.

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Hart House

Philosopher’s Walk

The colleges and quads

Watkins Pond (and bridge) at U of T Mississauga

Valley Land Trail at U of T Scarborough