Convocation: It’s a centuries-old tradition that means different things to different people, whether you’re a student, parent, faculty or staff member. Over time, many things stay the same, but now and then you are surprised. At the tail-end of June convocation season, we found some ceremonies over the years that stand out.
Interned Japanese Canadians receive degrees from UBC
In 2012, Japanese-Canadians who had been sent to internment camps while studying at the University of British Columbia were conferred degrees and met with recognition of the injustices they faced in 1942.
Asani performs O Canada at Athabasca U convocation
The Aboriginal women’s trio Asani performed a rendition of O Canada at Athabasca University’s convocation ceremony in 2015.
Back flip during U of T convocation
David Szeto had been preparing for this moment for years, and at his convocation ceremony in 2015, he was able to pull it off.
The TCA rap finale at uOttawa
William Lam, a biochemistry grad, had his viral Thrift Shop parody based on the Kreb’s Cycle played at his convocation in 2013.
U of M convocation interrupted by NHL announcement
Only in Canada…
University of Toronto: Canadian Ivy Goes Gospel
A flashmob paid tribute to the end of David R. Peterson’s term as chancellor in 2012, playing him out with “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”
Bonus: A look back at UPEI’s first convocation ceremony in 1970
Plus ça change.