New College (Arts; Commerce; Sciences T – Z) Spring Convocation 2022

TL;DR

President Gertler and Chancellor Patten congratulate graduates, recognize achievements, and honor Masai Ujiri for dedication to social change and diversity.

Transcript

Good morning. We wish to acknowledge this land on which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opport... Read More

Key Insights

• ⛹️ The ceremony honored Masai Ujiri for his dedication to social change and diversity through basketball initiatives.
• 🎓 Graduates were encouraged to embrace education, passion, humility, and humanity as they embark on their future endeavors.
• 🏝️ Indigenous traditions, including land acknowledgments and the presence of an Eagle Feather, were incorporated into the convocation ceremony.
• 🧑 The historic significance of the first in-person convocation since 2019 was highlighted, recognizing graduates' resilience and achievements during difficult times.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who was honored during the University of Toronto convocation and why?

Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors, was honored for his outstanding service to social change and diversity, particularly through initiatives like Giants of Africa and Basketball Without Borders.

Q: What key messages did Masai Ujiri deliver to the graduating class and why were they significant?

Masai Ujiri emphasized the importance of education, passion, humility, and humanity, encouraging graduates to embrace diversity, overcome adversity, and make a positive impact in the world.

Q: How did the University of Toronto incorporate Indigenous traditions into the convocation ceremony?

The ceremony opened with a acknowledgment of the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, Seneca, and Mississaugas of the Credit, and featured an Eagle Feather Bearer symbolizing respect, honor, strength, courage, and wisdom in Indigenous cultures.

Q: What was the significance of the University of Toronto's first in-person convocation since 2019?

The in-person convocation marked a special milestone for graduates who persevered through challenging times, highlighting their accomplishments and contributions to the university's prestigious alumni community.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• President Gertler and Chancellor Patten celebrate the achievements of graduating scholars and acknowledge the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, Seneca, and Mississaugas of the Credit.

• Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors, is honored for his service to social change and diversity, inspiring graduates with a call to action.

• The ceremony emphasizes the importance of education, passion, humility, and humanity while recognizing the impact of adversity and the need to bring people together.