TMU celebrates the people behind convocation
Behind every TMU convocation ceremony is a dedicated team of faculty, staff and volunteers who work to make the occasion memorable for graduates and their loved ones.
On October 21, TMU brought together members of its community for a Convocation Volunteer and Community Appreciation event at the Sears Atrium, recognizing the people who help bring one of the university's most cherished traditions to life.
The celebration also marked a special milestone, honouring President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi's final convocation as president after a decade of presiding over ceremonies that have recognized the academic achievements of nearly 110,000 TMU graduates.
The afternoon celebrated the broader TMU community who have contributed to the success of convocation, featured remarks from university leaders, a special gift presentation and a recognition of the University Events and Ceremonies team.
See photos from the celebration below.
Faculty, staff and volunteers gathered at the Sears Atrium for an afternoon of appreciation and celebration. Guests included members of the university community who have supported convocation ceremonies in 2025 and 2026, from welcoming graduates and their families to coordinating the many details behind the scenes. Photo credit: Harry Choi.
Michael Forbes, assistant vice-president, University Relations, welcomed attendees and served as emcee for the afternoon, kicking off a celebration recognizing the people who help make convocation possible. Photo credit: Harry Choi.
TMU Provost and Vice-President, Academic Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano thanked volunteers for their dedication to making convocation a memorable experience for graduates and their families. Iannacito-Provenzano said, “each of you plays an essential role in making convocation an unforgettable celebration.” She also paid tribute to President Lachemi's decade of leadership and contributions to the university. Photo credit: Harry Choi
As a long-time volunteer and contributor to TMU convocations, Ken Ozdemir, manager, maintenance and operations, Facilities Management and Development, addressed guests as part of the afternoon's celebration, recognizing the important work that goes into supporting convocation ceremonies. Photo credit: Harry Choi.
Guests watched a special video message from Elder Joanne Okimawininew Dallaire, followed by a video celebrating President Lachemi's decade of leadership and transformation at TMU. Shortly after, Tanya De Mello, vice-president, equity and community inclusion provided remarks, and invited President Lachemi, Monica McKay, and Cher Trudeau forward for a special gift presentation from the Indigenous Education Council, with Elder Joanne Dallaire joining virtually via Zoom. Photo credit: Harry Choi.
A special moment of the afternoon came as President Lachemi received a Star Blanket and beaded medallion from TMU's Indigenous community. The medallion was inspired by Soaring for Greatness, a mural at the Mattamy Athletic Centre honouring Indigenous excellence in sport. The gifts recognized Lachemi's leadership and the relationships built throughout his time as president. Photo credit: Harry Choi.
Reflecting on his time as president, Lachemi expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the faculty, staff and volunteers who make convocation possible. Over the past decade, he has celebrated nearly 110,000 graduates crossing the stage, witnessing firsthand the impact of those working behind the scenes. Lachemi remarked, “whatever your role, your care makes a difference. You help create a day that our graduates and their families will remember for the rest of their lives.” Photo credit: Harry Choi.
In honor of another successful convocation season, President Lachemi recognized the University Events and Ceremonies team for their dedication to planning and delivering TMU's convocation ceremonies. Team members Kim McDonald, Jessica Tran, Ryan Kerr, Jordan Luu and Daneese Rao were invited forward to receive flowers in appreciation of their work. Photo credit: Harry Choi.
The afternoon concluded with colleagues coming together over lunch, celebrating their shared contributions to convocation and the memories they've helped create for generations of TMU graduates. Photo credit: Harry Choi.