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The University of Toronto celebrated the graduation of more than 15,800 students this spring â€“ more than 12,700 of whom were expected to cross the stage inside Convocation Hall.

With family and friends watching, the 32 ceremonies held this month featured numerous traditions that date back more than a century and marked the culmination of years of education and hours of hard work.

Here are a few highlights captured by the photographers who covered the event.

Eagle Feather Bearer Leanne Grosbeck, executive assistant at the office of Indigenous initiatives at ÇÑ×ÓÖ±²¥, carries the Eagle Feather on stage in Convocation Hall.

A graduate and her service dog take a moment to paws and reflect on marking an important milestone. 

John Bond, who at age 76 was the oldest ÇÑ×ÓÖ±²¥ Mississauga graduate this spring, drew applause after earning a double major in history and classical civilization after 12 years of study – his third ÇÑ×ÓÖ±²¥ degree.

 A graduate from ÇÑ×ÓÖ±²¥â€™s Rotman School of Management tears up as he crosses the stage in Convocation Hall.

Graduates from ÇÑ×ÓÖ±²¥ Scarborough pose for a selfie after their ceremony.

Archer Pechawis, educator, filmmaker, writer and curator, performed at two ceremonies in honour of honorary degree recipients Robert Houle and Alanis Obomsawin. 

Family and friends celebrate a new graduate with smiles and photos. 

 Getting it picture perfect: quick adjustments are made before a graduate heads inside Convocation Hall.

Little Amal, a towering puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee, is the centrepiece of a performance art project called The Walk created by honorary degree recipients Adrian Kohler and Basil Jones. 

Graduating students hold hands during honorary degree recipient Wesley Hall’s remarks.