Victoria University in Toronto — An Unexpected Graduation Day
Founded in 1836, Victoria is one of the oldest universities in Canada, and has earned a distinguished reputation for excellence for almost two centuries.
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As a photographer I appreciate the challenge of event photography, but it has never been the kind of work I’ve gone out looking for. Though I appreciate the challenges and of shooting in a chaotic and fast paced environment, and I know that event photographers often have the best camera skills among us, but it’s just not the way I like to work. That said, photographing the Victoria College graduation day in June of 2023 was an opportunity I’m fortunate to have been given.
I never expected this group of graduating students would have such an impact on me. Their energy and optimism was palpable. It was as though from this centuries old college building they were stepping out into the lives they’ve been preparing for all these years. I did not yet know who they were or where they were headed, but I could feel it in the air. It was going to be big.
Some things are worth celebrating. It’s a day to feel proud.
Portrait of a graduating student standing in the Victoria college Quad on his Graduation Day.
— Centuries of Tradition —
Even though the day’s celebrations mostly took place in the Isabel Bader Theatre, the Old Vic Quad is where most grads spent their day. The Quad is the courtyard right outside the main entrance to Victoria college. The building that surround the Quad were built in the late 1800’s, and this historic architecture was not only the setting for this graduation celebration, but for all the years these students have been studying here.
Photograph of a proud award winner in the University of Toronto Burwash Dining Hall.
The procession of graduating students starts at the historic Victoria College in the heart of University of Toronto.
— The Bag Pipe Procession to Convocation Hall —
The above photograph was taken at about 1:30 in the afternoon. The students will have arrived back at Victoria Collage from the Isabel Bader Theatre where the graduation ceremony was held. From here they will all walk in procession through the University grounds and across Queen’s Park until they reach Convocation Hall where the second part of the ceremony will take place.
Possession crossing Queens Park Circle to Convocation Hall.
Sometimes there’s good reason to stop traffic. The procession to Convocation Hall takes about 30 minutes. This photograph is the spot where it crosses Queen’s Park Circle. It is one of those rare times during the day and year when traffic is happy to be at a stand still.
Award winner inside the historic Victoria College.
Celebrating with family with a video call.
A graduating student enjoys the graduation luncheon inside the Old Vic Quad.
Seating of all the graduating students inside Convocation Hall.
Thank you to the graduating students, their families and the Victoria College staff and participating alumni for allowing me to participate in this important day. It was still chaotic and challenging to photo shoot, but after spending this time with all of you, the future feels a little bit brighter.
