Universities are steeped in tradition, and convocation is arguably the time when those traditions are most on display.
Since the university’s founding in 1887, thousands of McMaster students have celebrated and been celebrated at convocation ceremonies. Many official and unofficial traditions have grown from these celebrations.
Here are a few of them:
The ceremonial mace
The ceremonial mace. (Photo by Georgia Kirkos)
McMaster’s ceremonial mace, given to the university in 1950 by the graduating class of 1900, is a fixture at convocation ceremonies. The mace is carried by the convocation bedel (a role that usually goes to the longest-serving faculty member). During the procession, the bedel walks in front of and protects the chancellor. Once the mace is set on the stage, the convocation ceremony can begin.
Spot the midwife
Midwifery graduates. (Photo by Georgia Kirkos)
It’s part of a long-standing midwifery tradition that all graduating midwives in Ontario wear red shoes to their convocation to stand out from the crowd.
Chancellor’s robes
Nicholas Brathwaite receiving an honorary degree in 2018, 36 years after he first graduated from McMaster with a degree in Chemistry.
The chancellor – the university’s honorary head – presides over all convocations. Their seniority is indicated by their robe, which is designed to be more elegant than that of the president’s. It’s also heavier, weighing in at an estimated 20 pounds. McMaster’s new chancellor Nicholas Brathwaite will preside over convocations for the first time this spring.
The mortarboard
According to tradition, only those earning a master’s degree or a PhD wear a mortarboard at convocation. Those earning a bachelor’s degree wear no headgear.
Put a ring on it
(Geoff Shaw for the Faculty of Engineering)
Graduating engineering students take part in the Calling of the Engineer ceremony, an annual rite-of-passage dating back to the 1920s. Students are given a ring that symbolizes the pride engineers have in their profession and serves as a reminder of the obligation to live by a high standard of professional conduct.
The colours of convocation
The colours of graduation gowns and hoods worn by faculty members indicate different universities and areas of study.
Photo by the arch
(Photo by Georgia Kirkos)
The collegiate gothic architectural backdrop of the Edwards Arch on McMaster’s campus is one of the most photographed spots on campus, and that’s especially the case around convocation.
A photo there is a great way to cap off an academic journey, and it’s a wonderful spot for McMaster alumni to come back and visit!