A sea of blue gowns filled the Barrie Campus Athletic Centre for the 500th convocation in Georgian College history.
More than 1,200 students were eligible to graduate in two convocation ceremonies Tuesday and approximately 800 were part of the historic number 500 in the afternoon.
"It's awesome. Absolutely awesome," said Wendy Linseman of the registrar's office.
"I love convocations because everybody is so happy. And the 500th? It's like a milestone."
The college has been able to hit that milestone because it holds convocations at each of its campuses multiple times each year.
Linseman has been helping organize convocations at the college since 1995 and describes the day as organized chaos.
"We always have to make sure that everything is in order. We know exactly what we're doing, when and why. And if something happens, well there's enough of us that have been doing it for so long that we know what to go."
The most stressful part of convocation for Linesmere happens before the ceremony.
She says she has to ensure everyone who is graduating is in the system as a graduate.
Then on the actual day, she enjoys seeing students head off into what she calls the "unknown future."
The veteran organizer has this advice for the grads.
"It's the beginning of their future. Make this a special day for themselves."
Georgian's first post-secondary convocation took place on June 8, 1968 at Collier Street United Church, as the college did not have suitable facilities.
A total of seven Medical Secretary students received their diplomas in front of 150 guests.
