The University celebrated its 100th Convocation in style Saturday, welcoming back to the stage members of the Class of 1963 who graduated at its first Convocation.
About 800 graduands received their degrees, in marked contrast to fewer than 200 in the original 1963 graduating group—22 of whom returned to be honoured Saturday. Those alumni were the first cohort of a worldwide family now numbering 110,000.
Susan Lester, director of alumni affairs, called the Class of 1963 crucial to celebrations of the University’s 50th anniversary.
“We are celebrating 50 years of history, 50 years of education and accomplishment,” she said. “These first graduates symbolize everything the University is about. They are the originals.”
Excited members of the Class of 2013 prepare for their star turn on stage during Convocation, Saturday at the St. Denis Centre.
Beadle Lionel Walsh bears the mace, symbol of the authority of the academy, into Convocation.
See an album of images from Fall Convocation 2013.
Watch video recordings of the two sessions, produced by the Centre for Teaching and Learning.