In photos: UTM graduates celebrate fall convocation 2024
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.
U of T Mississauga grads crossed the stage in two ceremonies: Those receiving master’s degrees from the Institute for Management & Innovation (IMI) went to Convocation Hall on Oct. 29 while UTM undergraduates capped off the 2024 convocation season on Nov. 1.
Nov. 1 marked the first ceremony presided over by both new Chancellor Wes Hall and UTM Vice-President and Principal Alexandra Gillespie.
Hall, an investor, businessman, philanthropist and TV personality, was officially installed as U of T’s 35th chancellor ahead of the fall convocation 2024 ceremonies.
“Make things better,” advised convocation guest speaker Mark Overton, who joined UTM in 1996 and currently serves as the dean of student affairs and the assistant principal for student services. He asked for a show of hands among the grads in Convocation Hall if those assembled knew what their next move would be. No matter what came next, he said, grads should use their knowledge, curiosity, experience and talents to make the world a better place.
“Use your riches, whatever they are, to make things better. If you're committed to that value, you're going to sleep better, you're going to feel better.
“You're going to look better!” Overton said to chuckles from the crowd. “You're going to be healthier and happier and you're going to find like-minded people to be around and you'll live a genuinely happier life.”
During his speech, Overton mentioned that new UTM grads still have access to the UTM Career Centre resources even though they are no longer enrolled in courses. He gave a shoutout to Career Centre Assistant Director Sheri Browne, who was serving as mace carrier for the ceremony.
“Sheri and her team at the Career Center can help with the next steps in your career path,” he said.
Eagle Feather Bearer Kaitlin Phillips, Indigenous student support specialist at UTM, led the chancellor’s procession into Convocation Hall.
With the autumn leaves providing a burst of colour, graduates gathered outside Convocation Hall with their friends and families.
Some of UTM's newest alumni paused after the ceremony to take photos with fellow grads.
