Convocation 2023

Paralympian - and new U of T grad - Stephanie Dixon aims to address athlete maltreatment

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:02:53 +0000

Paralympian - and new U of T grad - Stephanie Dixon aims to address athlete maltreatment

Christopher.Sorensen Fri, 11/10/2023 - 10:02

Cutline

Stephanie Dixon, a member of Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, examined the experiences of athletes who experienced maltreatment in sport – particularly those from marginalized groups (photo by Alex Law)

Jelena Damjanovic

Topic

Breaking Research

Convocation 2023

Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

Sports

Subheadline

“My master’s degree was the most challenging and meaningful experience of my life”

Stephanie Dixon was only two years old when her parents signed her up for swimming classes.

She says they believed it was important for her to know, at a young age, what her body was capable of doing.

“My parents knew that I would have challenges in my life – not because of my body, but because of the attitude society would have about my body,” says Dixon, who was born without her right leg and hip, and with a medical condition known as omphalocele.

She was 12 years old when she began competitive swimming, joining Canada's national team two years later. At the age of 16, she won five gold medals at the 2000 Summer Paralympics in Sydney. Since then, she has gone on to win many more medals and set world records, securing a spot in Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and an appointment to the Order of Canada.

Following the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, where she served as Canada’s chef de mission, Dixon embarked on a different kind of challenge: pursuing a master’s degree in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (KPE) at the University of Toronto. She graduated this week alongside more than 5,500 students during U of T’s fall convocation.

“I had been an athlete and ambassador in sport for 20 years, and upon reflecting on my own experience and those of my teammates, I felt that it was deeply important to learn more about athlete safety and well-being,” Dixon says. “I wanted my contributions in sport to be centred around wellbeing, inclusion and equity.”

With Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of KPE, as her supervisor, Dixon studied the experiences of athletes who experienced maltreatment in sport and engaged in a reporting process – particularly athletes from marginalized groups.

“Athletes deserve to have safe and affirming experiences in sport, especially during a reporting process where harm has already occurred,” says Dixon.

Stephanie Dixon celebrates her gold medal win in the women's 100-metre backstroke at the 2008 Paralympic Games (photo by Natalie Behring/Getty Images)

Following media reports about rampant athlete maltreatment in Canadian sport, the federal government formed the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), an independent office to investigate athlete complaints. The issue, according to Dixon, is that there continues to be little to no research on reporting processes and whether they reduce the threat of athlete maltreatment in sport.

“My research suggests quite the opposite – current reporting processes in fact increase the threat of harm and re-traumatization for athletes,” says Dixon. “In some ways, these processes may be an extension of the harmful culture of disempowerment and control typical of an abusive environment.”

She says further research is needed on athletes’ experiences of trauma and factors that contribute to their healing journeys – and plans to continue working on research projects in those areas.

“My master’s degree was the most challenging and meaningful experience of my life,” says Dixon. “When I look back at my athletic pursuits, I wanted to make my coach, friends and family, and community proud, of course – but my motivation behind swimming was personal.

“My primary motivation in graduate school was to develop the skills, knowledge and practice that would contribute towards equity and affirming experiences, particularly for those who have experienced abuse and who are from equity-denied groups.”

Dixon encourages new graduate students to find as much community and support as possible once they embark on “the transformative experience" of going to grad school – and not to be afraid of getting creative and imaginative in their research projects.

“I had a lot of imposter syndrome moments, and at times felt overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy,” she says. “My mentors and support system helped me navigate the demands and pressures – both within the program and some that were self-imposed.”

While COVID-19 made it difficult to connect in-person with fellow students and faculty members, she says she is grateful for all the adaptations and hybrid options that allowed her and other KPE students to continue their studies safely during a challenging time.

The U of T swim team was an important part of Dixon’s network. She swam with them during her last two years of high school – and then moved across to live in British Columbia and the Yukon for 20 years.

“Coming back to U of T for graduate school and reconnecting with some very dear friends and swimming in the varsity pool again has been incredibly meaningful.”

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

Cutline

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 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.

A green ear: U of T grad turns houseplants into instruments

bresgead — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:43:02 +0000

A green ear: U of T grad turns houseplants into instruments

bresgead Thu, 11/09/2023 - 11:43

Cutline

Steven Webb, who receives his doctor of musical arts this week, says his music examines “the confusion, disorientation and dread that arises from living in this world dealing with multiple crises” (photo by Simeon Rusnak)

Topic

Subheadline

Doctor of Musical Arts grad Steven Webb says his "Plant Music" project was conceived as a way to connect people with nature during COVID-19

Plants might not seem like a noisy bunch. But if you listen closely, Steven Webb says you can find a symphony in your garden.

As part of his studies at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, Webb turned houseplants into instruments as part of Plant Music – one of his many works that sample sounds from the real world to help make sense of it.

Webb, who will receive his doctor of musical arts this week, says he plans to build on the skills he gained at U of T to continue his project of composing music out of the cacophony of the modern experience – from the rhythmic chants of climate protesters to the distorted soundtrack of digital life.

“My music ties in strongly to my social activism, my personal ethics and views of the world,” says Webb, a composer and sound designer whose works range from orchestral arrangements to video game scores.

“It’s really developed into sort of examining … the confusion, disorientation and dread that arises from living in this world dealing with multiple crises – the climate crisis, growing marginalization of minority groups and the increasing isolation of the individual despite being hyper-connected with the internet.”

When he began his degree, Webb was planning to work closely with a number of talented peers and musicians. But the COVID-19 pandemic presented him with a different path.

Feeling isolated during lockdown, he decided to get creative.

“The concept [of the installation] was for people to interact with touch-sensitive plants – and through that, they could create and sculpt music themselves,” he says.

“This would be a way for people to really engage with sound and nature in a time when they really, really couldn't.”

So how did Webb coax plants to make music?

Plants – like people – are mostly made of water, so they conduct electricity. So, when you touch a plant, it changes its electrical resistance.

Webb rigged up wires to the plants so their electrical signals could be fed to a microcomputer, which relayed the input to another computer that triggered different pre-recorded sounds.

He also sampled sounds from nature – the scrape of cacti needles, the rattle of seedpods, the squish of flowers – and enhanced them to make them “larger than life.”

“You can sort of play the plants – almost like percussion instruments – because every time you touch it, it will trigger a sample of a sound,” he says. “That way, you can create instruments out of the plants themselves.”

The Plant Music installation was held at the Faculty of Music’s Electronic Music Studio in January 2022. Webb later incorporated his lush sounds into his doctoral recital, which was divided into three movements: seeds, growth and “photosynchosis,” which represents human disruption of natural processes such as photosynthesis.

As a resident at the Canadian Music Centre, Webb plans to expand on these themes and techniques to create a “sonic forest,” while also pursuing other projects such as ROYGBIV, a piece that will use light sensors to harmonize saxophone music with the colours of a room.

Webb credits U of T’s Faculty of Music for supporting his musical experiments and allowing other students to riff on his ideas by maintaining his workshop at the Electronic Music Studio.

“I'd say what was really positive coming out of [the pandemic] is that the faculty, the facilities and my adviser really encouraged me to use the time to explore and grow in other areas of expertise that I maybe wouldn't have had the time to pursue,” says Webb.

“I felt very accepted in this exploration that I wanted to do involving electronics and plants – and creating something very outside of the box.”

A cancer survivor, U of T grad Malia Robinson strives to support others on their healing journeys

rahul.kalvapalle — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 18:29:41 +0000

A cancer survivor, U of T grad Malia Robinson strives to support others on their healing journeys

rahul.kalvapalle Wed, 11/08/2023 - 13:29

Cutline

Malia Robinson came to U of T as a mature student via the Transitional Year Programme (supplied image)

Faculty of Arts & Science Staff

Topic

Our Community

Convocation 2023

Transitional Year Programme

Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work

Faculty of Arts & Science

Women and Gender Studies

Woodsworth College

Malia Robinson had to overcome an array of challenges to become a University of Toronto graduate. Arriving as a mature student amid a period of uncertainty and self-doubt, Robinson went on to complete an honours bachelor of arts degree in women and gender studies in the Faculty of Arts & Science, with minors in Buddhism, psychology and mental health, and contemporary Asian studies.

Along the way, she traveled to Central America for an experiential learning opportunity that altered the trajectory of her studies, volunteered at Women's College Hospital – having previously undergone surgery to treat cancer there – and won Woodsworth College's prestigious Brookfield Bronfman Gold Scholarship.

Now starting graduate studies in U of T's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, Robinson recently spoke about her journey.

You came to U of T through the Transitional Year Programme as a mature student – what made you want to study here?

I learned about U of T’s Transitional Year Programme at a difficult point in my life where I felt like I had hit rock-bottom and had zero prospects for the future. Seeing post-secondary as an opportunity to start over and build a brighter future, I swallowed my fear and made the decision to apply. Looking back, I can honestly say it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Why did you choose women and gender studies?

I wanted to learn as much as I could about the histories, systems and policies that contributed to the pain and dysfunction I was seeing in the world.

As I studied about the social determinants of health, gendered biases in medicine, colonialism in the Canadian context, systemic violence, and the social, cultural, physiological and mental impacts of intergenerational trauma, I felt overwhelmed by the depth of suffering in the world and was compelled to use my lived experiences and education to alleviate that suffering in some way.

I also realized that I needed to broaden my understanding of the world to be able to meet people where they are at. To do so, I enrolled in contemporary Asian studies and took courses in Latin American studies, which helped me understand colonialism and neoliberalism in different regional contexts. This introduced me to the different ways diverse cultures have reclaimed their languages and spaces, and decolonized their food systems, educational systems and healing practices.

In turn, these courses compelled me to deepen my understanding of healing trauma on an individual and societal level. To facilitate this, I enrolled in Buddhism, psychology & mental health, which gave me the skills needed to care for my own embodied trauma and inspired me to train in somatic therapies.

What personal challenges have you overcome during your studies?

The biggest challenge I faced was my limiting beliefs about what I was capable of achieving. With the immense support I received from the Transitional Year Programme, Woodsworth College, Accessibility Services, First Nations House, my professors, peers and partner, I was able to step outside of my comfort zone, make mistakes, learn from my failures and challenge myself in new and exciting ways.

Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow. And I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to make my Uncle Yogi proud and honour my Métis roots.

How did your studies take you to Central America?

In the summer of 2019, I participated in an experiential learning opportunity via the Dean's International & Indigenous Initiatives Fund, where I studied issues pertaining to Indigeneity and food sovereignty in Belize. This experience was one of the highlights of my undergraduate experience and was so impactful it changed the trajectory of my studies.

During this trip, I was inspired by the painstaking work that Indigenous Belizians undertook to revitalize the physical, emotional and generational health of their communities, and I came to the realization that I wanted to spend my life working in a similar capacity.

I really appreciated the guided tour of a local farm and getting the chance to learn about Mayan land rights, food systems and development initiatives. I believe that food is a powerful medicine and remember feeling inspired and humbled by the efforts locals undertook to protect their lands and traditional crops, and transmit their knowledge to the younger generations.

How did you become connected with Women’s College Hospital?

At the beginning of the pandemic, I underwent surgery at Women’s College Hospital to stop cervical cancer in its tracks. When I was in recovery, I was looking for a virtual opportunity to support folks during the crisis when I stumbled across New College’s Community Engaged Learning Program, which was looking for volunteers to help the Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health draft a proposal to build a medicine garden at Women’s College Hospital.

At the time, I was struggling with the existential crisis that comes with anything cancer-related and felt like this was an incredible opportunity to channel my energy into building something meaningful that would support others who are at different stages of their healing journeys. I learned a lot during my placement and was excited to see the efforts of everyone involved give rise to a rooftop garden which officially opened this summer.

You started a master of social work at U of T – what would you like to do in the future?

Once I’m qualified to offer counseling and work with trauma, I want to help people resolve their complex trauma issues and reconnect to their body’s inherent capacity for restorative sleep, health and wellness.

Given my incredibly positive personal experiences with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE), I wholeheartedly believe that somatic therapies – therapy that aims to treat PTSD and other mental and emotional health issues through the connection of mind and body – are the future of trauma therapy.

Because these therapies are still prohibitively expensive, I strive to provide accessible and affordable therapy to the people who need it most – and want to dedicate my life to supporting people on their healing journeys.

‘The name is who they are’: How convocation readers train to pronounce grads’ names

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 22:10:11 +0000

‘The name is who they are’: How convocation readers train to pronounce grads’ names rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 11/07/2023 - 17:10

Topic

Our Community

Convocation 2023

Faculty of Arts & Science

Linguistics

Hearing your name read aloud inside Convocation Hall is a moment of pride and significance for students graduating from the University of Toronto.

That’s why U of T puts special effort into helping readers – the people who read the names of graduating students at convocation ceremonies – prepare for the challenge of trying to pronounce thousands of names correctly.

“Our graduates, especially at a big university like U of T, come from all over the world – and their names come with them,” says Elizabeth Cowper, a professor emerita in the department of linguistics in the Faculty of Arts & Science who is one of U of T’s reader trainers.

“The name is who they are.”

The training includes how to recognize names’ likely places of origin, avoid common errors and detect pronunciation clues.

“We give them pronunciation keys; we give them a booklet where they might be able to recognize some of the common traps,” says Christina Kramer, a reader trainer and a professor emerita in the department of Slavic languages and literatures.

She adds that, while readers might not get every single name right, “What we want to happen is that every student who crosses the stage feels that the person reading the names has given due consideration to the pronunciation of their name.”

In the weeks leading up to the ceremonies, graduating students also have the option of sending information about their name pronunciations – or a recording of how they pronounce their names – to the Office of Convocation (see this FAQ for details). They can also add phonetic advice to the card the reader will use at the ceremony.

“We appreciate the hard work our students have put into their studies and getting to this moment,” says Samantha Smith, acting director of the Office of Convocation. “We want to honour that by ensuring the name they hear as they are called onto the stage is their name, said correctly.”

Watch a video about U of T's training for convocation readers

Helen Clark, former prime minister of New Zealand, receives honorary degree

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 16:54:50 +0000

Helen Clark, former prime minister of New Zealand, receives honorary degree Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 11/07/2023 - 11:54

A leader known for championing equity, sustainability and health, Helen Clark served three terms as Prime Minister of New Zealand. Only the second woman to hold that office (and the first to have been elected), Clark appointed a record number of Māori and women MPs to top roles in government and placed equity at the centre of her policymaking. She later served as head of the United Nations Development Programme.

Today, for her outstanding contribution to the public good and her commitment to a just, thriving, equitable and sustainable world, Clark will receive a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from the University of Toronto.

Clark grew up on a farm on New Zealand’s North Island, the eldest of four daughters. She attended Epsom Girls’ Grammar School in Auckland and, as a teen, became politically active, protesting against the Vietnam War.

She studied politics at the University of Auckland, earning a Master of Arts in 1974. While attending university, she helped Labour candidates get elected to Auckland city council, launching what would become a lifelong affiliation with the Labour Party. After graduating, she began lecturing at the university and stood for election to the council herself twice, but never won a seat.

They would turn out to be rare electoral failures. Clark ran for office again in 1981, at the national level, and won. She went on to serve as a member of Parliament for 10 terms over almost three decades, earning a reputation for pragmatism, a steady managerial hand and a preference for incremental change over grand gestures. She says she was driven by the desire to make a difference. “I always feel that in development, in politics, you can get up every day and do something that will have a positive impact somewhere, for someone, for something,” she told the Guardian in 2017. “That’s been my attitude.”

(photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

As an elected official, Clark held numerous cabinet positions, including minister of housing, minister of health and minister of conservation. She also served as deputy prime minister. In 1993, she won her party’s leadership, making her Leader of the Opposition. Following the 1999 election, Labour formed a governing coalition, and Clark became prime minister.

In her three consecutive terms as prime minister, Clark oversaw the implementation of increases to the minimum wage, paid parental leave and the recognition of same sex unions. Her government established climate change and environmental protection measures, launched an emissions trading regime and worked towards carbon neutrality – all while the country recorded solid economic growth and decreasing unemployment.

Despite her achievements, Clark was on the receiving end of a lot of gender-based criticism. “They don’t like your hairstyle; they don’t like your clothes. In fact, they don’t really like anything about you,” she told the Guardian in 2014. “And maybe this all adds up to [the notion] that they don’t really like a woman doing what you’re doing.

Clark sought a level playing field, where men and women are assessed on the same criteria. “I always used to say I don’t expect anyone, ever, to vote for me because I’m a woman. But I don’t expect them not to vote because I’m a woman,” she said in the 2017 Guardian interview. “That’s where we’ve got to get to, where people can evaluate women as leaders because of their leadership skills.”

In January 2009, two months after losing office, Clark was voted “Greatest Living New Zealander” in a website poll run by the New Zealand Herald. John Key, who succeeded Clark as prime minister, said he was not surprised by the result, saying “she is well thought of as a New Zealand prime minister.”

Among the women inspired by Clark’s career is Jacinda Ardern, who worked in Clark’s office many years before becoming prime minister herself. In 2018, the two discussed the impact of women leaders and politicians in a video conversation recorded for UN Women Aotearoa New Zealand to mark 125 years of women’s suffrage.

“I do consider myself very lucky,” Ardern told Clark. “Because of course I had you and I grew up seeing a woman in those leadership roles.”

Clark followed up her political career by pursuing public service at the global level – as head of the United Nations Development Programme, where she led international co-operation on sustainable development, gender equality and public health. In 2016, she stood as a candidate for Secretary General of the United Nations but lost to António Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal. Had she been successful, she would have been the first woman to hold that position.

Today, Clark continues to have active leadership roles in global organizations such as: Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health; Chatham House; Women Political Leaders; the Global Leadership Foundation; the World Economic Forum; the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative; the Global Commission on Drug Policy; and the Global Future Council on Health and Healthcare. In 2023, she was admitted to a group of 12 global leaders who advocate for social justice, human rights, sustainability and peace. The group was set up by Nelson Mandela in 2007. Clark is also patron of the Helen Clark Foundation – a non-profit, non-partisan, public policy think tank for generating and promoting policy research in New Zealand.

In her speech today to graduands of U of T Mississauga, Clark will note that the world is grappling with many pressing issues – from the need for climate action and conflict resolution to eradicating global poverty in all its dimensions.

“The challenges are great, but there is a niche for each one of us in finding solutions. My call to each of today’s graduands is to find that niche for yourself, and to be a force for a better world. Your education has given you the knowledge and skills both to build solid careers and to make a difference for the better for your community, your country, and our world.”

‘Learning is a lifelong experience’: U of T grad celebrates 80th birthday on his convocation day

Christopher.Sorensen — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 22:22:18 +0000

‘Learning is a lifelong experience’: U of T grad celebrates 80th birthday on his convocation day

Christopher.Sorensen Mon, 11/06/2023 - 17:22

Cutline

Jacques Leduc says the support of his family has been immensely important throughout his studies (photo by Polina Teif)

Topic

Faculty of Arts & Science

New College

Jacques Leduc says it feels extra special to be celebrating two significant milestones on Nov. 6: his 80th birthday and his graduation from the University of Toronto.

Before going back to university, Leduc worked in central and west Africa as an accountant.

He says the experience inspired him to complete a bachelor’s degree with a double major in African studies and near and Middle Eastern civilizations in the Faculty of Arts & Science.

“I learned things that I maybe should have known before,” said Leduc who is a member of New College.

“When you’re working in a career – particularly a career in, let’s say law, accounting or engineering – you’re sort of focused on that particular technical area. Whereas if you do a humanities course, it really broadens your way of thinking.”

Leduc crosses the stage at Convocation Hall

He credits the “high level discussions” he had in his classes, the books he was assigned to read and, of course, his professors for opening his eyes to things he might not have realized had he not gone back to university – including a more complete understanding of the deep and lasting harms caused by colonialism in Africa.

“You think about it a bit longer and you realize most of us in Canada are a colonial power,” he says. “It really makes you rethink how people feel.”

The last time Leduc was a student was in the 1960s at the Royal Military College of Canada, which he says was a very different experience. It was a small school – with about 180 students in Leduc’s graduating class (by contrast, more than 21,000 are expected to graduate from U of T in 2023) – and his focus back then was on friends and sports.

After graduating, Leduc worked at an accounting firm and then for the government in the auditor general’s office. As the director of international affairs, he made contacts from across the globe, including organizations in Africa.

When he semi-retired, he took on consulting work in the region, where he became fascinated by the continent.

(photo by David Lee)

On his graduation day, Leduc’s wife, daughter and son-in-law will be sitting inside Convocation Hall cheering him on. They plan to celebrate both his convocation and birthday that evening by going out to dinner.

He says that the support of family has been immensely important to him during his four years at U of T.

“I would often be squirreled away in a corner working on my assignments instead of doing things around the house and my wife never complained – she really encouraged me,” he said.

“Any time I had written assignments or essays, she’d always read everything and give me good feedback.”

Leduc wants to continue his education – he has his eye on a master’s degree in African studies.

“Education doesn’t stop when you first graduate,” he says. “Learning is a lifelong experience.”

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

Topic

Subheadline

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

As fall convocation approaches, the 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

Cutline

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.

For new U of T grad Medha Arora Wadhwa, public speaking is key to creating change

siddiq22 — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 14:29:36 +0000

For new U of T grad Medha Arora Wadhwa, public speaking is key to creating change

siddiq22 Fri, 06/23/2023 - 10:29

Cutline

Medha Arora Wadhwa developed a passion for public speaking while earning her bachelor's degree in commerce (supplied photo)

Coby Zucker

Topic

Our Community

Convocation 2023

Student Leadership Award

Graduate Stories

Faculty of Arts & Science

Rotman Commerce

Summer Abroad

Woodsworth College

For new Faculty of Arts & Science graduate Medha Arora Wadhwa, university was a time to grow and give back.

Arora Wadhwa earned her honours bachelor of commerce, specializing in management with a focus on marketing, while also completing minors in drama and economics.

After graduation, Arora Wadhwa plans to pursue her passion for art history, studying in Spain through U of T’s Summer Abroad program. When she returns, her aim is to find full-time work consulting in media and communications.

Over the past four years, Arora Wadhwa was involved with the Rotman Commerce Arts Group and Rotman Commerce Toastmasters. Most recently, she was vice-president external for the Toastmasters club, where she launched the RCT x RCPA: Roaring '20s Speakeasy, an arts incubator that created a safe space for the creative exploration of issues that are difficult to discuss or rarely spoken about.

Arora Wadhwa was also a student leader at Woodsworth College, where she was a residence advisor.

For her efforts, Arora Wadhwa earned a University of Toronto Student Leadership Award as well as the Director's Award for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion from Rotman Commerce.

She spoke with Faculty of Arts & Science writer Coby Zucker about her passion for public speaking and how it was helpful during her time at U of T.

Arora Wadhwa was vice-president external for Rotman Commerce Toastmasters (supplied image)

What did you get out of participating in Rotman Commerce Toastmasters?

First, there's the element of public speaking, which is so helpful to anyone in a professional and academic setting. I really developed my skills through the club. The other thing was being given a bit of freedom. I had a vision to create an arts incubator where people could speak about issues that are very rarely spoken about – like pride, feminism, diversity and body dysmorphia.

Through Toastmasters, you're given so much support for any idea that you have. To be able to see something like that come to life showed me that's something I want to do in the future, for a career.

You worked as a public-speaking tutor. What was that like?

I work with a lot of students who are English-language learners and to see their confidence grow, especially in a language they're not comfortable with, is just really beautiful.

What makes public speaking so important?

It's such a valuable skill to be able to communicate effectively, and to be able to get what you need to say across in a clear and effective way. And taking it a step further, being able to communicate with a big group of people in an effective way can help create a lot of social change.

It also doesn't have to be at the macro level – it's also on the micro level. It's speaking up for yourself in a meeting or communicating your ideas on a project. Those are the small wins that public speaking gets you. Having that confidence and comfort with speaking can really transform people's lives.

What is the value of public speaking for groups that are often underrepresented in public discourse?

Public speaking is especially tough for any minority. Women historically have been told not to speak up. It's a very recent societal change that we've had where we're encouraged to. For people with disabilities or any kind of minority, you're taught your entire life through society that your voice doesn't have that much significance.

So public speaking is especially important for any kind of minority to advocate for themselves. To be confident in speaking is to create change for yourself and a bigger group of people.

What advice would you have for someone who is considering studying at U of T?

Don't lose your individuality. It's really easy to see the path or the direction all your peers are taking and then feel like you're doing something wrong, or feel like you're not successful enough by those standards.

If you can leverage your own individuality – whatever it is you love or that makes you unique – whether it's dance or acting or a certain sport you play or maybe having a disability, that's who you are.

I’d say own that, because that's what makes you unique – and that's what's going to take you further.