Gonfalons and Banners Gonfalons—banners designed to hang from a crossbar— have been used to identify assemblies in special processions since the 12th century. Western’s unique gonfalons were designed by the London chapter of the Canadian Embroiderers’ Guild to represent the University, its faculties, schools and affiliated university colleges throughout Convocation. The banners are unique to each faculty, and incorporate the hood colours for the different degrees. Those associated with the students graduating today accompany the academic procession and are placed at the front of the stage. Banners on stage represent units whose students will graduate on other days.
Ivey Banners The banners hanging above the stage were conceived by, and presented as a gift from former Chancellor Richard M. Ivey HBA’47, LLD’79 and Beryl Ivey, BA’47, LLD’97, who magnanimously supported Western throughout their lives. The banners, designed by London artist-architect David Yuhasz, represent the hood colours of degrees offered by Western.
Regalia Originally worn for warmth in unheated castles, the academic gowns, hoods and caps declare in their various designs and colours, the scholastic qualifications of the faculty. The graduates, dressed in black robes, have the appropriate degree hood, a symbol deeming their degree complete.
Congratulations to our graduates. Welcome to our global community of Western alumni.
323 rd Convocation 13
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