It was an event held to mark the achievements of our graduates, but it also felt like a reunion for some members of our community.

Legacy events were held this week to honour 2020 and 2021 McMaster University graduates – students who didn’t get the chance to take part in an in-person celebration because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Graduating students got the chance to cross the stage at FirstOntario Concert Hall and shake the hand of David Farrar, McMaster’s president.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Faculty of Humanities graduate Madison Bury. “And it’s nice to see everyone again.”

Many remarked on how the celebration felt like a great way to mark the end of a chapter in their lives.

“It was a really good closure on these last couple of years and it just feels nice to finally have that moment to walk across the stage,” said Taylor White, a 2020 DeGroote School of Business graduate.

Here are some special moments from the legacy events held this week.

Six legacy events were held across three days at FirstOntario Concert Hall in downtown Hamilton. In some cases, graduates and their loved ones travelled to Hamilton from different parts of the world in order to take part.

While virtual convocation events had been held for 2020 and 2021 graduates, many students said they appreciated the chance to reconnect with classmates at in-person legacy events.

Santee Smith, McMaster’s Chancellor, presided over the ceremonies. Smith, who is from the Kahnyen’kehàka (Mohawk) Nation, Turtle Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River, shared blessings and messages of thanksgiving in Mohawk and English. Smith’s convocation regalia incorporates both the traditions of the office of chancellor and her own Mohawk and Scottish heritage.

Dawn Bowdish, a professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, arrives at FirstOntario Concert Hall in her convocation regalia. Bowdish was among faculty members who were on hand to mark the achievements of our legacy graduates.

Graduating students stand as David Farrar, McMaster University’s president, addresses them.

Hargun Grewal, an Honours Justice, Political Philosophy, and Law graduate and a 2021 Faculty of Humanities valedictorian, addresses the crowd.

A graduate shakes the hand of David Farrar, McMaster University’s president, as they cross the stage at a legacy event held for Faculty of Humanities and the Arts & Science Program graduates.

Smiles all around at a ceremony held for Faculty of Humanities and the Arts & Science Program graduates.

McMaster 2021 Bachelor of Science in nursing graduates Therese Zamora and Lauren Oreskovich celebrate after crossing the stage.

Graduate Jocelyn Cross celebrates alongside her mother, Karen Mossman, McMaster’s Vice-President of Research. Cross received her master’s hood from Mossman during the ceremony.

Clara Bulhoes and Ben Marshall, both Justice, Political Philosophy & Law (JPPL) 2020 grads, celebrate. You did it!

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate poses with their diploma outside University Hall on McMaster’s campus. A standing ovation was held for graduating nursing students, many of whom worked on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The collegiate gothic architectural backdrop of the Edwards Arch on McMaster’s campus is a favourite photo spot around convocation. A picture 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!