School of Graduate Studies: Jackman Law; Munk School; Rotman School Fall 2025 Convocation

What this episode is about

The Fall 2025 Convocation at the University of Toronto celebrates the achievements of graduates from the Jackman Law, Munk School, and Rotman School. The event acknowledges the traditional Indigenous lands it occupies and highlights the collective efforts of graduates, families, and faculty in attaining their educational goals.

Key takeaways

• Graduation isn't just a ceremony; it's a launchpad to a global stage—where 700 alums are your new colleagues.
• The blend of tradition and modernity at U of T ensures grads are not just scholars, but agents of change.
• Families and friends: the unsung heroes of today's ceremony, clutching tissues while you clutch your diplomas!
• Latin may be a dead language, but it still breathes life into ceremonies, proving tradition and relevance can coexist.
• Remember George? The last graduate on stage! His suspenseful exit is a reminder: every journey has its moment of spotlight.

Who speaks in this episode?

• Wes Hall (Host) · 12 min speaking
• Melanie Woodin (Host) · 15 min speaking
• David Peterson (Guest) · 31 min speaking

What is discussed, and when

1. 0:00 – 10:00: Wes Hall, Melanie Woodin, Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law, Rotman School of Management
2. 10:00 – 20:00: Melanie Woodin, Wes Hall, Toronto Raptors
3. 40:00 – 50:00: Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law
4. 1:00:00 – 1:10:00: Wes Hall, Melanie Woodin

Notable quotes from "School of Graduate Studies: Jackman Law; Munk School; Rotman School Fall 2025 Convocation"

• CHANCELLOR WES HALL: We wish to acknowledge this land in which the University of Toronto operates.

  about Wes Hall · at 5:35

• Today I have the additional privilege of assisting Chancellor Wes Hall in conducting this Convocation.

  about Melanie Woodin · at 8:00

• Classes of 2025 from the School of Graduate Studies, the Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law, the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and the Rotman School of Management.

  about Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law · at 9:32

• Business, sports and culture, including founding Chairman of the Toronto raptors basketball club, Chapters Inc. and Chair of the successful bid and Organizing Committee for the.

  about Toronto Raptors · at 13:47

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

• Wes Hall — Person · Chancellor / presiding officer · 7 mentions · first at 5:35
  Presides over the ceremony as Chancellor, delivers the land acknowledgement, performs the formal Latin degree-conferral statements, and closes Convocation.
• Melanie Woodin — Person · President (ceremony co-lead / introducer) · 7 mentions · first at 7:44
  Introduces herself as the 17th President of the University of Toronto, provides an English translation/explanation of the Latin conferral, gives ceremony instructions, and introduces the Convocation Speaker (David Peterson).

Companies & orgs

• Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law — Company · Academic department · 2 mentions · first at 9:34
  One of the faculties whose graduates are being celebrated at the convocation.
• Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy — Company · Academic department · 2 mentions
  One of the faculties whose graduates are being celebrated at the convocation.
• Rotman School of Management — Company · Academic department · 1 mention · first at 9:40
  One of the faculties whose graduates are being celebrated at the convocation.
  Faculty of Law, the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and the Rotman School of Management.
• Toronto Raptors — Company · Referenced organization · 1 mention · first at 13:51
  Mentioned in the context of the convocation speaker's past leadership roles.

Full transcript with timestamps

2:56 by). . . Graduands and guests, may we have your attention, please? Convocation is about to begin. If you have a mobile device or pager with you, please turn it off or silence it during the ceremony. Thank you for your attention. And congratulations. If able, please rise. . .

5:35 CHANCELLOR WES HALL: We wish to acknowledge this land in which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Today this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we're grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land. We're also grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our scholars who graduate today. On their behalf, let us express gratitude for the support of their families and friends and for the faculty and staff who have guided them in their pursuit of knowledge.

6:12 Whatever your own traditions, let us reflect as we proceed through this Convocation Ceremony on the many years of effort, sacrifice and success that have brought us to this time of celebration. One of my most important roles as Chancellor is to serve as Chair of Convocation Ceremonies. Conferring degrees upon the graduands and celebrating their tree into the University of Toronto distinguished alumni community and I am deeply honoured to do so today. In concilium Universitatis Torontonensis vocati sumus. Graduands, please remain standing.

6:48 All guests, please be seated. CHANCELLOR WES HALL: Insignissima Cancellaria: Praesento tibi hosce scholares ut admittantur ad gradus varios, testorque eos quoad omnia quae statuta requirunt aptos et idoneos esse.

7:20 CHANCELLOR WES HALL: Ad profectum huius provinciae huiusque magnae patriae, et ad profectum omnium nationum omnibus in terris coniunctarum ego ex auctoritate mihi et toti Universitati commissa, admitto vos ad gradus varios quorum iura vobis do et peto quoque ut omnia conficiatis munera quae ad ilos gradus pertinent.

7:44 PRESIDENT MELANIE WOODIN: Please be seated. My name is Melanie Woodin and it's my great privilege to serve as the 17th President of the University of Toronto. Today I have the additional privilege of assisting Chancellor Wes Hall in conducting this Convocation. The university is an institution with deep historical roots and many enduring traditions. Among those is the use of the language of the medieval university in today's wonderful celebration. For those in attendance who, like me, are less than fluent in Latin, a translation may be helpful.

8:32 For my part, I said, most distinguished Chancellor, I present to you these scholars, that they be admitted to the various degrees. And I bear witness that, as far as all things which the statutes require, they are fit and suitable. Much more significantly from the standpoint of the Graduating Class, the Chancellor then replied, to the benefit of this great province, this great country. And to the worldwide community of nations, I, by the authority vested in me, and in the whole university, grant you the rights and ask of you the responsibilities of doing all those things which pertain to those degrees.

9:22 And so, as my first order of business, I am delighted to salute you, the graduating classes of 2025 from the School of Graduate Studies, the Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law, the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and the Rotman School of Management. That's it, you're done. Warmest congratulations. .

9:55 PRESIDENT MELANIE WOODIN: I would also like to bid a warm welcome to everyone who has joined us here in historic Convocation Hall. Graduates, today the University of Toronto is formally recognizing your hard work. Your accomplishments, your perseverance and this milestone. Each of you as a member of the Graduating Class is joining an exceptional family of University of Toronto alumni. U of T has a global community of more than 700 alumni in 196 countries. They are the university's living legacy and our greatest ambassadors.

10:41 U of T alumni serve in leadership roles in every corner of the globe and in every walk of life. They are Prime Ministers, justices scholars authors community and business leaders, scientists and professionals of every description. Their endeavors have shaped the world we live in, and in the way we understand that world. We have no doubt that the University of Toronto's high academic standing can be attributed to generations of dedicated and very talented faculty and staff. But we also understand that this reputation has been built by our alumni.

11:25 A group that now includes each and every one of you. So to the Graduating Class, let me say thank you. Thank you for your many contributions to the university while you were a student. And thank you for what you will do as members of Canada's largest and I believe most distinguished alumni community. One more word of thanks is in order. I'm sure that all graduates share a sense of gratitude to the friends and family who have helped bring them to this special day. And I would ask you to join me and the Platform Party in thanking them with a vigorous round of applause.

12:07 . PRESIDENT MELANIE WOODIN: Let me continue with a request. One of the distinguishing features of our Convocation is that graduates come forward to be recognised individually to enthusiastic applause. You will then leave the stage using the ramp over at the end there. Exit out the door and go around the hall. At that point you're going to turn left and quietly re-enter the hall as your peers continue to be recognised. In that spirit, I encourage you to think of the very last person who will be on this stage. I believe it will be George Zhang.

12:54 Could you please stand up, George? . PRESIDENT MELANIE WOODIN: So everyone, remember George and return to your seat. [CHUCKLES].

13:10 PRESIDENT MELANIE WOODIN: Thank you, all, for your understanding. And once more, warmest congratulations. It is now my privilege to introduce today's Convocation Speaker. The Honourable David Peterson. An alumnus of U of T's Faculty of Law, Dr. Peterson served as Chancellor of the university from 2006 to 2012. He is Chairman emeritus of castles block and Blackwell LLP and currently chairs the board of tore star corporation he has held leadership roles in business, sports and culture, including founding Chairman of the Toronto raptors basketball club, Chapters Inc. and Chair of the successful bid and Organizing Committee for the Toronto Pan-Am and para Pan-Am games.

14:05 As premier of Ontario from 1985 to 1990 he played a pivotal role in constitutional negotiations and public service. His contributions have earned him numerous honours including the order of Ontario and the French Legion of Honor, as well as multiple Honorary Degrees, including one from U of T. Please welcome, Dr. Peterson to the podium. . .

14:43 HONOURABLE DAVID PETERSON: Chancellor, Madam President, assorted deans, principles, dig anytories, platform guests, graduands -- graduates, moms and dads, and friends, let me say what an honour and a joy for me to share this day with you. And to offer congratulations to all of you who have graduated from some of the most distinguished and elite faculties in this great university. And for many of you, this is one of the great days of your life. And you won't forget certain parts of this day. As you walk out with your scroll.

15:38 And before I start, I want to share with you a congratulations to your new Chancellor, who was just relatively recently installed. He's not as pretty as I am. [CHUCKLES].

15:56 CHANCELLOR WES HALL: But he brings a verve, a range of experience, and intelligence and enthusiasm to this university that we're all grateful for. Wes, let me say that. .

16:13 HONOURABLE DAVID PETERSON: And to your new President, Melanie Woodin who was just installed officially about a month ago. And she is bringing her huge brain, her huge heart, her huge generosity of spirit to this venerable institution. And I want to remind you, for those of you that don't know, this is one of the great universities not just the best in Canada. That's -- take that for granted. But in the world. .

16:55 HONOURABLE DAVID PETERSON: By every objective standard, the degree you have is worth an enormous amount. And that's because of the leadership and the intelligence of so many people on this stage. They were so intelligent, that they scheduled your Convocation on the day there was no Blue Jays baseball game. .

17:20 HONOURABLE DAVID PETERSON: So you are the centre of the world today. And Melanie, on your behalf can I invite them all to sit on the quad and watch the game with you. She's going to be in charge of Halloween -- if they wear their robes, they can bring the Halloween candy. As Melanie said, I was the Chancellor here for six years. And it was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my entire life. For which I will always be grateful. I attended and I never missed one, 181 Convocations. In those 6 years. And I was privileged to listen to some of the greatest speeches on Earth.

18:11 Noble Laureates, academics. World leaders. University presidents. Scientists. Rock stars. Even Cedo Gaston spoke here on this stage. But I also have the humility to know that no one I know ever remembers who spoke at their Convocation. And I recognise that between you coming to the stage to meet the President and the Chancellor, I stand between that. And hopefully you will have a great party tonight to celebrate your achievement. So the role of a Convocation Speaker is to distill all of life's wisdom and experience.

19:05 And craft it into a seven-minute speech. To share with you as you enter a new stage in life. And there are two very important rules. One, be short. And No. 2, don't be boring. I promise you I will be short. [CHUCKLES].

19:31 HONOURABLE DAVID PETERSON: I want to make two points to you. And then tell you a little storey. Point 1, be grateful for your blessings. I'm going to make a very bold assertion. But I think when you think about it, you might agree with me. You, you in this room, you students, you graduates, are among the luckiest 110th of a percent of all the people who have ever lived on this earth. Think about that. You think through history. You think of our affluence. You think of the country you're in. You look at the people around you who are suffering in different countries.

20:26 How lucky we are that we're here and not in so many other countries. If you had been born in Gaza, or in Sudan, or the Ukraine. Think of the hardships you would be facing. So even though it seems like an extravagant claim, I don't believe it is. And given the fact that you are graduating from one of the best universities in the world, you will have the gift that cannot be taken away from you. I recognise that all of your circumstances are not the same. I recognise that this has been harder for some than for others.

21:13 But I do know because of your effort, your brains, your lucky genes, or the help you've been given, that you are in a rare position to contribute to the world. So be grateful for your good fortune. Melanie already asked you to recognise your parents and friends. But somebody else, recognise -- thank your university and all the teachers. I believe that teaching is the highest calling on earth. That's what's called paying it forward, investing in the world's most important resource, young people. Why don't you give a hand to your teachers and your professors and thank the university.

21:53 . HONOURABLE DAVID PETERSON: And be grateful for Canada being your country. I recognise that not all of you are Canadians. Some are. But at least you've had the privilege of being educated here. And think about the fact you don't have to huddle in a basement to escape a bomb in this country. Think about a country that supports both your education and your healthcare. And is ready to extend a helping hand, if and when you need it. Think of a country that believes in diversity and inclusion and equal opportunity for all.

22:40 And we do not institutional hatred. Our country is far from perfect. But it is still the best country on earth. So as you go -- .

23:02 HONOURABLE DAVID PETERSON: So as you go forward into this troubled world, remember your good fortune. And gratitude will bring a certain humility, which one day may help you serve or help others, as others have helped and served you. Because as you personally, all of you will go through your own personal searches for meaning and purpose in life. I suggest to you that service to others is the highest calling. The second point I want to make, in my opinion, the greatest evil on earth is fundamentalism. What is fundamentalism?

23:58 The belief that only I am right and you are wrong. That I possess the only truth. We must be respectful of all other humans. Never believe that what you believe is the only truth. What you believe is your opinion. And you're entitled to that opinion. But it is not necessarily the truth. The truth -- the truth is based on fact and scientific method. And puts reason above belief or blind faith. So when people refer to my truth, I find it a dangerous concept. The concept that I am the only one who is right. And that leads to fundamentalism to tribalism, to intolerance, to hatred.

24:54 And even war. Which we see in this earth. So respect others' opinions. Because they have equal weight in the public market with your own. In these fraught times, pain and passion are running very high in the world. And we should choose into the to assume the worst in those with whom we disagree. In this age of constant ran core, trolling and misinformation, with so many people and attention seekers trying to divide us, let us constantly seek out the truth and respect others' opinions. And try to find the things that unite us as we search for our common humanity.

25:43 And just for respect, inclusion and diversity, based on race, religion and sex, let's do so also on the basis of others' beliefs, opinions, and political points of view. I finish with a little storey. And it's a storey of an old Cherokee. The old Cherokee was sitting by the fire. Smoke was curling from the fireplace to the pine trees in the shadow of the mountains. And he was discussing the secrets of the good life with his grand grandson. And the grandson asked the question Grandpa what's the conservative of a good life?

26:36 And the grandfather replied, he said, my son, life is a battle between two wolves inside all of us. And the grandson asked the question, well, what are these two wolves? And the grandfather said, one is evil. One wolf is anger, envy, jealousy greed arrogance sorrow fundamentalism. The other wolf is a good wolf. And that wolf is joy, peace, love hope gratitude kindness, and generosity. And the grandson asks, well, which wolf wins? And the grandfather replied, the one you feed. I wish you well on your journey through life.

27:43 I wish you success, happiness and prosperity. And may you always feed your good wolf. .

28:36 Mr. Chancellor, I have the honour to present to you the following candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of Doctor of jur dishl science. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program)

29:00 . Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of Master of Laws. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

30:36 Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of global professional Master of Laws. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

43:57 Candidate from Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law who is being admitted to the degree of Juris Doctor. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

44:09 Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of Master of Global affairs. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

45:49 Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree Master of Public policy. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

46:05 Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

46:38 Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of Master of Business Administration. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

48:38 Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of Master of Financial risk management. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

52:36 Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of Master of Management analytics. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program) . [Cheers and applause]. .

54:39 Congratulations to the happy couple. . . . Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of graduate diploma in professional accounting. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program).

1:04:11 . [Cheers and applause]. . CHANCELLOR WES HALL: On behalf of the University of Toronto and by virtue of the authority vested in me I hereby admit all of the candidates not here present to their degrees in absentia. .

1:04:48 PRESIDENT MELANIE WOODIN: As we conclude Convocation, I wish to thank all of you for your participation and your patience. To the family and friends and to those in the procession, let me say thank you. You have made this a more memorable event for each member of the Graduating Class. And here let me go off script to say on behalf of the Chancellor and I and I believe everyone in Convocation Hall, to the happy couple. You have made this a very memorable event. .

1:05:29 PRESIDENT MELANIE WOODIN: I would like to thank Chancellor Wes Hall for presiding over today's ceremony. I wish to thank, as well, the many other colleagues and friends of the university who participated in this Convocation whose names you will find in the programme. Chancellor, I now invite you to bring today's ceremony to a close.

1:05:50 CHANCELLOR WES HALL: So Melanie I didn't hear a yes when he was on his knees. [CHUCKLES].

1:05:55 CHANCELLOR WES HALL: I hope it's a yes. On behalf -- I said that already. As I bring this Convocation Ceremony to a close on this, your special day, I hope we'll see you often in the years to come and I invite you to stay connected. We'll be very interested in your journey. And we know that you'll make a better impact in this world in whatever path that you choose. Concilium dimissum est. . . .

1:06:31 O Canada Our home and native land True patriot love In all of us command With glowing hearts we see thee rise The true north strong and free From far and wide O Canada We stand on guard for thee God keep our land Glorious and free O Canada We stand on guard for thee O Canada We stand on guard for thee . . . .

Questions about this episode

Who speaks in "School of Graduate Studies: Jackman Law; Munk School; Rotman School Fall 2025 Convocation"?

Wes Hall (Host), Melanie Woodin (Host), David Peterson (Guest).

What is "School of Graduate Studies: Jackman Law; Munk School; Rotman School Fall 2025 Convocation" about?

The Fall 2025 Convocation at the University of Toronto celebrates the achievements of graduates from the Jackman Law, Munk School, and Rotman School. The event acknowledges the traditional Indigenous lands it occupies and highlights the collective efforts of graduates, families, and faculty in attaining their educational goals.

What is mentioned in this University of Toronto episode?

6 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Wes Hall, Melanie Woodin, Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, Rotman School of Management, Toronto Raptors. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "School of Graduate Studies: Jackman Law; Munk School; Rotman School Fall 2025 Convocation"?

The episode runs 1 h 17 min; the transcript is about 3,303 words in 51 timestamped sections.

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