Spring 2022 Convocation kicks off

Beloved tradition returns to McGill for the first time since the start of the pandemic 
Graduating Health Sciences students are piped in from Redpath Hall to the Convocation tentNeale McDevitt

A time-honoured year-end tradition returned this morning to the heart of McGill University’s downtown campus – where it belongs. McGill’s 2022 Spring Convocation ceremonies got underway this morning – in person, and on campus.

On their way to accept their diplomasNeale McDevitt

Overcast skies and light rain did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm for this year’s group of Health Sciences graduates, who crossed the stage under the large white Convocation Tent to accept their diplomas in front of proud family members and friends. Thousands more will follow in the same footsteps over the next eight days, until Friday, June 3. 

This wasn’t the first in-person Convocation since the onset of the pandemic – the Fall 2021 ceremonies were held at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts. However, for the first time since 2019, the Spring ceremonies are being held on McGill’s campuses, including two ceremonies for graduates of the Faculty of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, which will take place at the Centennial Ballroom at Macdonald Campus. Click here for a complete schedule. 

As part of this year’s celebrations, 14 inspirational individuals will receive honorary doctorates for their exceptional contributions to both their own fields and society as a whole. Eleven of the honorary doctorates will be awarded during the Convocation ceremonies; three others were given out yesterday during a special installation ceremony for McGill’s 20th Chancellor, Mr. John McCall MacBain – himself an honorary doctorate recipient from 2014. The Reporter will be sharing the videos of the honorary degree addresses as they become available.

Meanwhile, students who graduated during the pandemic and whose Convocation ceremonies were held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will have the opportunity to attend an in-person celebration during the Spring 2022 Convocation season. The postponed in-person celebrations will take place from Monday, June 6 to Monday, June 13. Click here for a complete schedule. 

There were no shortage of selfies during this morning’s Convocation ceremonyNeale McDevitt