From selfie smiles to doting dogs: Moments to remember from #UofTGrad19

It was another spring convocation for the books as University of Toronto students said goodbye to their textbooks and accepted their degrees in Convocation Hall.

U of T photographers captured the excitement at the 32 ceremonies this month. See if you can spot yourself, your friends or family below:

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

A little girl's pink dress stands out among the black robes and greenery on the downtown Toronto campus.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

With looks of pride on their faces, attendees take out their phones to record a convocation procession on front campus.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Graduates from U of T’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education walk across the Sir Daniel Wilson Residence’s quad on their way to Convocation Hall on June 11.

(photo by Geoffrey Vendeville)

The sunlight co-operated with this group of graduates posing for a selfie on June 11, the morning of Innis College and Trinity College students' convocations.

(photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Syrian activist Noura Al-Jizawi, a one-time leader of the uprising against the regime of Bashar al-Assad, came to U of T through the Scholars at Risk program, which provides bursaries to students with refugee status. On June 7, she graduated with a Master of Global Affairs from the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. She celebrated her convocation with her daughter Naya, who was born during her studies and is known affectionately as the “MGA baby” by Al-Jizawi's classmates.

(Photo by Liz Do/Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering)

Engineering graduates strike a pose mid-procession to Convocation Hall.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Is there a more parental gesture than taking a photo with an iPad?

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Through every lecture, presentation and exam, Emily Wright's service dog Kailey has been by her side during her time at U of T's Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. So it was only fitting that Kailey accompanied Wright on the day she accepted her Master of Teaching degree.

(photo courtesy of Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering)

Some of U of T's newest engineering graduates show off the iron rings around their pinkies. The ring has been bestowed on Canadian engineering graduates since 1922. It serves as a symbol of pride in the profession and a reminder to uphold its highest standards.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

A graduate of the Faculty of Medicine is all smiles at her convocation on June 3.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

New medical doctors pose for a stylish group photo in front of University College.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Balloon or thought bubble?

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Hats off – and hoods – to this year's graduates.

(photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Last year, Elspeth Arbow won a student leadership award for her involvement on campus and dedication to her studies – all despite having to undergo a double lung transplant for the second time in her life. The cinema studies student, who has cystic fibrosis, recovered from the operation to complete her studies, travel through Europe and land a coveted internship at the Toronto International Film Festival.

(photo by Tyler Irving/Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering)

There were hugs galore outside Convocation Hall as new graduates celebrated with family and friends.

(photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Convocation marks the end of a chapter in students' lives, but not their friendships.

'I had to do something': U of T urban design grad helps Ecuador hometown rebuild after earthquake

Romi Levine — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 14:37:58 +0000

'I had to do something': U of T urban design grad helps Ecuador hometown rebuild after earthquake Romi Levine Thu, 06/06/2019 - 10:37

Topic

John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture

In 2016, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit the coast of Ecuador, destroying vast swaths of Gabriela Luna Vélez’s hometown of Manta. Now, Vélez, who is graduating from the University of Toronto's urban design master's program in the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, wants to play a part in rebuilding her city, particularly the waterfront neighbourhood of Tarqui.

"When it happened, I decided I had to do something about it," says Vélez.

For her thesis project, she proposed a plan to rebuild Tarqui, taking into account the history and culture of the neighbourhood and its vulnerability to natural disasters. She will be presenting her plan to Manta city officials.

"With the knowledge that I got from U of T, I think that I can really help my country," she says.