Delayed in-person gathering yields tremendous response from alumni eager to have their day
(Photo by Phill Snel, Dept of Civil & Mineral Engineering / University of Toronto)
“Wow, we were never allowed in this room while I was here,” exclaims a CivMin alumnus arriving to the reception. The wood panels of Room 202 in Galbraith Building, known as the Michael E. Charles Council Chamber, greeted the Class of 2T0 and 2T1 (1T9/2T0+PEY) alumni after their celebration of graduation ceremony held in Convocation Hall Tuesday, December 13.
Hugs, smiles and selfies bore evidence of the exuberance the former classmates felt. Though the December chill made the trek to the steps of Con Hall a little challenging, it did little to dull the bright mood, nor their satisfaction, of the day.
A long-awaited in-person gathering at U of T to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2020 and 2021 yielded eager attendees accompanied by their families and loved ones. With in-person celebrations put on hold for 2020 and 2021, while precautions were taken observing pandemic protocols, there was certainly a pent-up demand to gather for this combined recognition.
Faculty, staff and family gathered to show support and recognize the academic milestones of many who had to first celebrate apart, delaying this day by over two years in some cases. Ironically, given the two year delay, at least one alumna has already received their MASc at the in-person June Convocation and had yet to celebrate receiving their undergraduate degree until this event.
While convocation gatherings were held virtually for 2020 and 2021, and a ceremony offered via online video, it did not sate the combined desire of graduates to have their day. There’s simply no replacement for embracing the sheer majesty of Convocation Hall, along with the buoyant mood of such an august celebration enjoyed with a reunion of classmates from Skule™.
By Phill Snel
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