As students in caps and gowns gathered under warm sunshine on the East Field before Friday's commencement ceremonies, relatives waited breathlessly for a glimpse their student and cheered in unabashed pride. Some joyfully ran up to their graduates and hugged them, kissed them, congratulated them, or swung pink-and-white leis over their heads.
An atmosphere of jubilation and accomplishment hung over commencement ceremonies, which kicked off Friday with the Graduate Division and continued through the weekend.
"Your achievements speak volumes to your dedication and perseverance," said Lisa Sloan, vice provost and dean of Graduate Studies, in her remarks to the audience.
The Graduate Division commencement address was delivered by UCSC graduate alumna Lisa White, associate dean of the College of Science & Engineering and professor of geosciences at San Francisco State University.
"Simply put," said White, "this graduating class is impressive."
Today's graduates have lived, worked, and interacted in a global community that is more multicultural and more connected than ever, she said, providing crucial skills in negotiation and communication.
"Whatever your degree today, your experience and training are so needed to provide leadership in the world," said White.
In addition to the Graduate Division, commencement exercises were held by UCSC's 10 colleges and the Baskin School of Engineering. A number of less formal celebrations also honored graduates.
A total of 2,105 UCSC students were candidates for bachelor of arts, music, or science degrees. Also this spring, 309 students were eligible to receive master of arts, fine arts, or science degrees; of these students, 101 will complete UCSC's Department of Education master's program in late summer. In addition, 172 UCSC students were candidates for doctorates. A small number of students received graduate certificates.
In the two prior quarters of the current academic year, many other UCSC students completed work for undergraduate or graduate degrees: 956 undergraduates earned bachelor's degrees, 57 students earned master's degrees, and 42 students earned doctorates.
