There were big smiles, warm embraces and more than a few happy tears as the Humber community celebrated the achievements of its graduating class at Fall 2022 Convocation.

The Toronto Congress Centre welcomed the more than 1,900 graduating students, their families and loved ones to celebrate the moment in-person. The graduation ceremonies were also livestreamed for those who wanted to attend but couldn’t.

The occasion was a memorable one for President and CEO Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, who was presiding over her first convocation since joining Humber.  

She offered a bit of advice to the graduates, telling them to embrace the twists and turns that life brings. She added that it’s okay to stumble or change course or start over and to find value in the journey, wherever it takes them.

“I hope you take the knowledge and experience you gained at Humber and chase your dreams,” said Vaughan. “We already know you can do phenomenal things and we can’t wait to see what you are going to do next.”

Following the ceremonies, the graduates and their loved ones gathered to celebrate the moment. Many paused to take selfies with classmates or pose for photos with their family and peers in front of Humber backdrops and banners.

For Business Management program graduate Shanessa Brown, a Humber education runs in the family. Several of her family members, including her brother and mother, attended the college and that played a role in her decision to enrol.  

Brown added that she didn’t attend her high school graduation so being able to be there for Fall Convocation was a good experience. Brown said she was excited to graduate and added she’s thinking about continuing her education by enrolling in Humber’s Business Administration program.

“Best day of the academic year”

Angelo Crupi, professor and program coordinator with the Supply Chain Management program, called convocation the “best day of the academic year” for him.

“To see the students here and what they’ve accomplished is really rewarding,” said Crupi. “As teachers, their success is our success.”

Christel Kuiper, professor and program coordinator with the Tourism – Travel Services Management program, said getting to see her students’ smiling faces on graduation day was a wonderful feeling. Hearing that many of them have already found jobs in their field was tremendous, Kuiper added.

Humber again presented students who self-identify as Indigenous with Indigenous medallions to wear during convocation. The college first gave them out during Spring Convocation as a way for the students to display pride in their history and culture and to also acknowledge the graduates’ accomplishments.

Excited to graduate

Mike Hollett has worked in the electrical industry for 20 years and enjoys what he does for a living, so he decided to enrol in Humber’s Electrician – Construction and Maintenance Apprenticeship program. Now that he's graduated, he wants to earn his Red Seal designation and become a certified electrician although he joked that, since he’s in his 60s, he’ll be ready to retire a few years after he does.

Throughout the day, the excitement was palpable, emotional embraces were widespread and more than a few eyes were a bit misty.

Alvina Cassiani, senior dean, Longo Faculty of Business, congratulated the graduates for their hard work and for preserving and completing their programs during challenging times.

“The knowledge and skills that you have developed and perfected at Humber will provide an excellent foundation for your future success,” said Cassiani.

For many graduates, convocation was an opportunity to mark the occasion with peers who have become friends.

Nazgol Jafari graduated from Humber’s Event Management program and was proud not just of her classmates but all the graduates. To her, Humber feels like a “second home.”

“To be able to celebrate this special moment with my friends and professors is really nice,” said Jafari.  

The convocation page has more information and links to rewatch the ceremonies.