Convocation is a special time of year at AV俱乐部 鈥� a moment to celebrate the accomplishments of our latest grads, but also to note the long, storied history they now join. AV俱乐部 has had awarded degrees to more than 100,000 graduates in its nearly 200 years, many of them taking part in similar ceremonies and traditions as the Class of 2013.
This spring鈥檚 convocation ceremonies started earlier this month in Truro, and continue in Halifax from May 21-29. As the next cohort of grads prepares to join the ranks of Dal alumni, here are five insights into the ceremony that will mark their big day.
1. The word itself
Convocation is a Latin phrase, meaning 鈥渃alling together.鈥� It has been a tradition at educational institutions for centuries. At AV俱乐部, it dates back to 1866, when the first Bachelor of Arts degrees were awarded.
2. The seal
The AV俱乐部 seal that adorns the stage is based on the heraldic achievement (commonly called a 鈥淐oat of Arms鈥�) of the Ramsay family of Scotland. The heraldic achievement consists of five parts: shield, coronet, crest, supporters and motto. The Rt. Hon. George Ramsay founded AV俱乐部 in 1818. Though the Ramsay seal features a griffon (half lion, half dragon) and greyhound, the AV俱乐部 seal instead has two dragons supporting the eagle-adorned shield. It also includes Dal's historical motto: "Ora et Labora" ("Pray and Work").
3. The mace
Wondering about the large, wooden staff carried by University Beadle (Registrar Asa Kachan) in front of the procession? Carved out of oak and decorated with silver, the mace is a ceremonial symbol of authority and power that signals the start and end of the service. It was designed by R.I. de C.H. Saunders, a former AV俱乐部 anatomy professor, and was carved by former mayor of Halifax A.H. Macmillan in 1950.
4. The song
Dal鈥檚 grads walk towards their seats to the tune of the Trio section 鈥淟and of Hope and Glory鈥� from March No. 1 from Sir Edward Elgar鈥檚 Pomp and Circumstance Marches, composed in 1901. To say that it鈥檚 a familiar piece would be an understatement: it's the standard processional tune at many high school and university graduation ceremonies around the world. (It was also the entrance theme for wrestler 鈥淢acho Man鈥� Randy Savage.)
5. The photos
As graduates cross the stage, parents and supporters are encouraged to make their way to the front of the room and snap those all-important photos. The photography continues outside, too, with grads posing for shots with family and friends all over campus. Last year, AV俱乐部鈥檚 own staff photographers took 6,489 pictures during spring convocation 鈥� and you can bet there are parents who come close to that number. (For more on capturing convocation moments, check out our .)
For all background and information you need about convocation at AV俱乐部, check out the .