Time to shine: Fall 2021 Virtual Convocation

By Bridget Yard on
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Humber College’s Fall 2021 Convocation is a special time for 2021 graduates and recent alumni.  While the ceremony remained virtual, Humber organized an in-person photo-op for anyone who graduated since the pandemic began.  It was the first in-person convocation event since 2019.

Fall 2021 graduate Sahiba Chhabra came to Humber as an International student to pursue a diploma in Business Management. She completed her studies online, and the photo-op allowed her to mark the occasion in a meaningful way. 

Sahiba Chhabra brings a black mask to her face at the in-person photo op. She just put on her collar and gown at the venue.

“It was my father’s dream to send me abroad. I’m from India, and he wanted to see me graduate from Humber College. It means a lot to me to bring my father here,” she said as her father beamed beside her. 

Hundreds of students registered for the two-day event on November 3 and 4 at the Toronto Congress Centre. Each graduate had 15 minutes to pose and celebrate with their supporters in a Humber Grad photo booth, complete with foliage and Humber colours. 

Elmena Walton and her daughter Carole pose joyfully with Carole's diploma and flowers. They are elated.

Paralegal graduate Elmena Walton also brought a family member to celebrate with her. 

Laden with flowers, balloons and her diploma, Walton was ecstatic to graduate and celebrate with her daughter, Carole, who she had as a teenager. 

“I’m so proud of her!” said Carole. 

“Her accomplishment at her age, I credit her, I admire her tenacity, her determination. A lot of people would have given up, but she was determined.” 

Embraces like theirs were repeated over and over as students and their supporters moved through the photo-op. 

A graduate and their two supporters raise their firsts in celebration at one of the photo booths

The Fall 2021 Virtual Convocation, held a few days later on November 8, was a YouTube Premiere Event that celebrated the accomplishments of Humber’s latest graduating class. 

The event included a speech by Humber College President and CEO Chris Whitaker, messages from Senior Deans, alumni and musical performances.  

Graduates had several opportunities to engage online leading up to the event. Friends, faculty, family and colleagues sent shoutouts using #HumberGrad on social media.  The shoutouts were also featured in the convocation video. 

Humber grads also had access to digital swag, including a virtual photo booth filter on Instagram for those who couldn’t attend the in-person event. 

Learn more about convocation and view the full video here.