SGS: Medicine; Kinesiology & Physical Education Work; Music Fall 2025 Convocation

What this episode is about

The convocation ceremony at the University of Toronto celebrates the achievements of graduates from various disciplines, including medicine, kinesiology, and physical education, while acknowledging the traditional land of Indigenous peoples. The event emphasizes gratitude for the support of families, faculty, and staff, marking a significant milestone in the graduates' academic journeys.

Key takeaways

• Turning off devices might save your soul, but it's definitely not saving your Instagram stories.
• The real degrees of separation? Graduating from U of T means joining a network of 700,000 alumni across 196 countries.
• From labs to boardrooms, U of T alumni don’t just make an impact; they practically redefine 'global citizens'.
• Who knew Latin could make a graduation sound so medieval? Cheers to tradition and a sprinkle of confusion!
• A round of applause for families: the unsung heroes of every graduate’s success story, equipped with endless patience!

Who speaks in this episode?

• Melanie Woodin (Host) · 38 min speaking
• Ira Jacobs (Guest) · 47 min speaking
• Wesley Hall (Guest) · 9 min speaking

What is discussed, and when

1. 0:00 – 10:00: Melanie Woodin, Wesley Hall
2. 10:00 – 20:00: Melanie Woodin, Ira Jacobs, Tannenbaum Institute, Canadian Space Agency
3. 20:00 – 30:00: PAM Pill, Ecclesiastes

Notable quotes from "SGS: Medicine; Kinesiology & Physical Education Work; Music Fall 2025 Convocation"

• My name is Melanie Woodin and it is my great privilege to serve as the University of Toronto's 17th President.

  about Melanie Woodin · at 9:41

• Privilege to introduce today's Convocation Speaker, Ira Jacobs, Professor Jacobs is a faculty member in the faculty of kinesiology and physical education where he served as dean for 11 years.

  about Ira Jacobs · at 15:22

• When I know that if we invested in convincing our population to take the PAM pill, the p-a-m pill you've heard of it right not to treat but to prevent then it would reduce the risks of.

  about PAM Pill · at 23:14

• I would like to thank you, Chancellor Wes Hall for presiding over today's ceremony.

  about Wesley Hall · at 1:24:15

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

• Melanie Woodin — Person · Presiding university leader (President) / ceremony facilitator · 4 mentions · first at 9:32
  She opens the convocation, explains the Latin degree-conferral tradition, welcomes graduates, and introduces the convocation speaker.
• Ira Jacobs — Person · Convocation speaker · 2 mentions · first at 15:23
  Featured speaker delivering the main address; presented as a professor and former dean with research expertise in performance physiology and advising experience across major organizations.
• Wesley Hall — Person · Chancellor / presiding officer · 1 mention · first at 9:51
  As Chancellor, he is the senior ceremonial official presiding over convocation and formally closes the ceremony.

Books & papers

• Ecclesiastes — Book · Referenced work · 1 mention · first at 26:47
  A book from the Bible referenced by the speaker in the context of a song's lyrics, adding a cultural and historical dimension to his message.

Companies & orgs

• Tannenbaum Institute — Company · Affiliation · 1 mention · first at 15:42
  An institute associated with the University of Toronto, focusing on the intersection of science and athletic performance, mentioned in the context of the speaker's career.
  He is also the inaugural endowed director of the Tannenbaum institute for science and sport at the intersection of science and athletic performance his distinguished career spans.
• Canadian Space Agency — Company · Referenced organization · 1 mention · first at 16:02
  Mentioned as one of the organizations the speaker has advised, highlighting his broad influence and expertise.
  Environmental extremes, Professor Jake cops has advised organizations from the Canadian space agency to the United Nations.

Concepts & topics

• PAM Pill — Concept · Key argument · 4 mentions · first at 23:19
  A metaphorical concept introduced by the speaker to advocate for the benefits of physical activity and music in health promotion and disease prevention.

Full transcript with timestamps

4:16 . . . 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. . .

7:14 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 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.

7:51 Whatever our own traditions, let us reflect as we proceed through the Convocation Ceremony on the many years of effort, sacrifice, and success that have brought us to this time of celebration. In concilium Universitatis Torontonensis vocati sumus. One of my privilege is to serve and confer our graduands and celebrate the University of Toronto into the distinguished alumni community and I am deeply grateful and honoured to be doing so today. Graduands, please remain standing. All guests, please be seated. .

9:02 Insignissima Cancellaria: Praesento tibi hosce scholares ut admittantur quae statuta requirunt aptos et idoneos esse

9:07 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.

9:32 PRESIDENT MELANIE WOODIN: Please be seated. My name is Melanie Woodin and it is my great privilege to serve as the University of Toronto's 17th President. Today I have the additional privilege of assisting Chancellor Wesley Hall in conducting this Convocation. The university is an institution with deep historical roots and many enduring traditions. Among those is our 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.

10:23 For my part I said, most distinguished Chancellor, I present to you these scholars that they may 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 province, this great country, and to the worldwide community of nations, I, by the authority vested in me, and in the whole university, admit you to your various degrees.

11:05 Grant to you the rights and ask of you the responsibilities of doing all those things. Which pertain to those degrees. And so as my first order of business, I am delighted to salute you, the Graduating Class of 2025 from the School of Graduate Studies, the Temerty faculty of medicine, the faculty of kinesiology and physical education, and the faculty of music. That's it. You're done. Warmest congratulations. . .

11:48 PRESIDENT MELANIE WOODIN: I would also like to bid a warm welcome to everyone who has joined us in this 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 700,000 alumni in 196 countries. They are the university's greatest living legacy. And our top ambassadors.

12:34 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 the way we understand that world. We have no doubt that the University of Toronto's high international standing can be attributed to the generations of dedicated and very talented faculty and staff members. But we also understand that this reputation has been built by our alumni.

13:18 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 the 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 members who have helped bring them to this special day. And I would like to ask you to join me and the Platform Party in thanking them with a vigorous round of applause.

13:58 . . PRESIDENT MELANIE WOODIN: Let me continue with a request. One of the most distinguishing features of our Convocation is that graduates come forward to be recognized individually to enthusiastic applause. They will come and stand right here. And then you'll leave the stage using the ramp over by that door, exit and come around the hall. At that point you're going to turn left and quietly re-enter as your peers continue to be recognized. In that spirit, I encourage you to think of the very last person who will be on this stage.

14:47 And I believe that will be Samantha Luke. Could you please stand up, Samantha? . .

15:00 PRESIDENT MELANIE WOODIN: So everyone remember Samantha and return to your seat. Thank you for your understanding. And once more, warmest congratulations. .

15:16 PRESIDENT MELANIE WOODIN: It is now my privilege to introduce today's Convocation Speaker, Ira Jacobs, Professor Jacobs is a faculty member in the faculty of kinesiology and physical education where he served as dean for 11 years. He is also the inaugural endowed director of the Tannenbaum institute for science and sport at the intersection of science and athletic performance his distinguished career spans academia, Government and industry. Internationally recognized for his research on performance enhancement and physiological responses to environmental extremes, Professor Jake cops has advised organizations from the Canadian space agency to the United Nations.

16:06 His contributions have earned his election as a fellow of the Canadian academy of Health Sciences and numerous awards including the Canadian peacekeeping service medal. Please welcome Ira Jacobs to the podium. . .

16:40 Chancellor Hall, President Woodin, vice presidents deans principals and chairs, Governing Council members, colleagues, esteemed guests, and of course honoured graduates. It's not just a tremendous honor for me to be asked to speak with you today. But also an almost come full circle moment for me personally. My parents both got their degrees here. So I joined the graduates here as a genetic genomic and epigenetic consequence of my parents and of their experiences and my experiences in my case at the University of Toronto.

17:24 Today at this moment, which is 8 months before my retirement from the University, I feel like this Convocation is every bit as personal to me as I'm sure it is to the graduates. I've got three messages I would like to share with you. One is about marriage. One is about obsolescence. And one is about a disturbing trajectory. A projection that I'm going to make. I saw a few grimaces and smiles. I'm not going to link obsolescence and marriage concerning -- don't worry about that. Message No. 1, 54 years ago I was an undergraduate student entering my first year of studies in psychology and linguistics.

18:11 And during the intervening years I became a physical education teacher, moved onto Graduate Degrees in exercise physiology and clinical physiology. Spent 25 years as a Federal Government scientist. Became the Chief Scientist at our Department of National defense laboratory worked for the United Nations as a biological weapons inspector over a four year period at a not too pleasant place in the world at that time spent a short stint in the commercial world as Vice President of research and development for a privately owned company and then 18 years ago, only 18 years ago I moved to the world of academia full time.

18:50 So what's the message to our graduates from this meandering career resume? That to become a professor and dean at a university, it helps to suffer from a little bit of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Just kidding. Maybe not actually. My first real message is that I suspect that many of you think perhaps with some trepidation that by virtue of the program of studies that you've completed and the degree that you've now received that you've entered a long-term marriage to your future career. And to death do us part.

19:29 I hope you have. And let me be the first to offer a toast that your career be a very long and a satisfying one. But trust me on this, my experience is that you will find that this amazing complex institution, the University of Toronto, has been a framework for you to develop and acquire skills and attributes, views and experiences, that will serve as a solid platform for you to jump into your next set of experiences. And the one after that. And the one after that. And even the one after that. If you choose to jump or if you're forced to do so.

20:09 And just like a marriage, which sometimes you know, you know what on such a celebratory occasion let's forget the continuation of that train of thought and we'll get to Message No. 2. Apologies to those who are translating or anything like that, that I'm not going by the script all the time. So far, I have intentionally not referred to the acquisition of knowledge itself during your time at U of T as something that will stand you in good stead in the future. The good news of course is, indeed, that we have no doubt whether you have acquired lots of new knowledge.

20:47 The alarming news is that a large proportion of that knowledge will become obsolete at an accelerating rate after you leave here. This isn't speculation. Because the rate at which new knowledge is being generated has just exploded in the last half century. And one of the byproducts is a directly associated rate of obsolescence of current knowledge. So my message to you is that you're going to need to figure out how to keep on learning, lifelong learning. To remain not only current in your field but to keep pace with the knowledge of your patients, your customers, your students, your clientele, your audiences.

21:32 And at least in my case with your children. My final message, a concerning future projection. It's directly related to admittedly my own increasing age. And my knowledge that as we age, we require increasing medical attention. So I've been paying attention to our provincial healthcare costs because I want to be well cared for in the future. And here is the trend line that's been disturbing me that I've been using for my projection. In 1990, that's 35 years ago, 29%, 29% of the Ontario budget was spent on healthcare.

22:16 Today it's about 46%. And the rate of change over the 35 years has been unrelenting. It's been progressive and it's been increasing in a linear fashion over time. Projections are that the growth and absolute dollars spending even when adjusted for inflation will continue unabatedly and if our economy does not continue to grow, then there won't be much left over to cover, other than healthcare. And given my age, this is going to happen when I need it most. And that's why it's really getting my attention. What is really disconcerting about all of this is over 90% of health expenditures in the province of Ontario go to healthcare.

23:01 In other words, fixing and taking care of people who are ill. 5% goes to health promotion. And prevention how crazy is this? When I know that if we invested in convincing our population to take the PAM pill, the p-a-m pill you've heard of it right not to treat but to prevent then it would reduce the risks of premature death from cardiovascular diseases developing Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, depression and anxiety that p-a-m pill slows down cognitive decline especially in older adults reduces risks of falls and strengthens the body's immune function in general for preventing disease and accelerating the rate of recovery when one does get ill.

23:53 And research shows that just the M portion of the p-a-m pill, that component can induce a very beneficial full brain workout, as well. And reap the benefits from that workout. Listen if I offered you shares in the company that has the exclusive patent for the Pam pill, would you buy them? I promise you, that I've done due diligence and these are not wild and exaggerating claims. I haven't taken it to the dragon's den yet, though. But it's not theory. It really is the real stuff. The only problem is that the knowledge about the p-a-m pill, the physical activity and music pill, is already in the public domain and has been for quite a while.

24:45 So no one can in fact patent it. But we can and must reap the benefits in the future. Why? Well, you see, we now know that physical inactivity of and by itself is a disease state. And the symptoms and manifestations of that disease have been observed. They have been measured. They have been quantified to occur within just a few days of becoming sedentary. And relatively inactive. That occurs in children. In adults. And in the elderly. So my last message is, we all need to recognize the power of the physical activity and music field because since physical inactivity is a disease, then exercise and music are medicine.

25:37 And the public will need our graduates in kinesiology, in medicine and in music among others to deal with that future trend I described earlier. That's if our tax dollars are going to be able to take care of me and you. To summarize, marriage to your career. Don't panic if it doesn't work out. There's more where that came from. Obsolescence. Of your knowledge. Take steps to prevent it. The future of our healthcare system, physical activity and music preserve and promote our well-being. Now I would like to beg forgiveness from particularly the graduates in music for what you're about to hear from someone who loves to sing in their car and wave their hands and in the shower when no one is around me.

26:32 It's a tune with a melody composed by an iconic folk song composer Pete Seeger in the late 1950s, the tune is indeed his he composed it but the words, he copied them. Copied them directly from the Bible. From the book of Ecclesiastes. Word for word. And all he did was insert one word into the core he is that he repeated three times. To everything turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn turn. And the time for every purpose under heaven. Graduates, I didn't have an Auto-Tuneer handy, by the way. [CHUCKLES]..

27:18 Graduates, congratulations on your accomplishments that your graduation represents and best of luck with your turn, turn turn. Thank you. . .

28:07 Mr. Chancellor, I have the honor to present to you the following 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).

43:53 . Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of Master of Science. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

59:51 Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of Master of Health Science. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

1:05:58 Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of Master of Science in biomedical communication. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

1:08:24 Canadians from the Temerty faculty of medicine who are being admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Science physicians assistants. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

1:13:42 Candidates from the Temerty faculty of medicine who are being admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Science medical radiation sciences. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

1:14:04 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). .

1:15:10 Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of Master of Arts. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

1:15:36 Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of Master of Science. . (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

1:16:42 Candidates from the faculty of kinesiology and physical education who are being admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Kinesiology. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

1:18:58 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). .

1:20:07 Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

1:21:23 Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of Master of Arts. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

1:22:22 Candidates from the School of Graduate Studies who are being admitted to the degree of Master of Music. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

1:22:42 Candidates from the faculty of music who are being admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Music. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). .

1:22:54 Candidates from the faculty of music who are being admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Music in performance. (Announcing Graduate names. Please consult your program). . . .

1:23:34 On behalf of the University of Toronto and by virtue of the authority vested in me I hereby admit all of those candidates not here present to their degrees in absentia. . .

1:23:57 As we conclude Convocation I wish to thank all of you for your participation and your patience. To the families 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. I would like to thank you, 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.

1:24:34 CHANCELLOR HALL: 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 will be very interested in your journey. And we know that you will make an impact for the better in whatever path you choose. And before I say the last words, we have a big party outside at 8:00 o'clock tonight. Watch Party. World Series. To celebrate. .

1:25:12 CHANCELLOR HALL: And on that note, Concilium dimissum est. . . 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 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 "SGS: Medicine; Kinesiology & Physical Education Work; Music Fall 2025 Convocation"?

Melanie Woodin (Host), Ira Jacobs (Guest), Wesley Hall (Guest).

What is "SGS: Medicine; Kinesiology & Physical Education Work; Music Fall 2025 Convocation" about?

The convocation ceremony at the University of Toronto celebrates the achievements of graduates from various disciplines, including medicine, kinesiology, and physical education, while acknowledging the traditional land of Indigenous peoples. The event emphasizes gratitude for the support of families, faculty, and staff, marking a significant milestone in the graduates' academic journeys.

What is mentioned in this University of Toronto episode?

7 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Melanie Woodin, PAM Pill, Ira Jacobs, Wesley Hall, Tannenbaum Institute, Canadian Space Agency. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "SGS: Medicine; Kinesiology & Physical Education Work; Music Fall 2025 Convocation"?

The episode runs 1 h 35 min; the transcript is about 3,382 words in 51 timestamped sections.

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