The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) honored its graduates on Saturday, May 17, during a special commencement ceremony, marking a pivotal moment in their academic journeys.
Genia Herndon, associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs and a proud two-time CU Denver alumna, served as the master of ceremonies.
In her address, Herndon emphasized the significance of the day, stating, “Today, we come together not only to commemorate the culmination of a challenging journey of academic study—but also to recognize the shared life experiences of our students, and to celebrate the successes of our newest graduates of CU Denver.”
The ceremony was attended by CU regents, deans, and Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen, who expressed his eagerness to preside over the event since he began his role at the university in February.
Chancellor Christensen remarked, “What drives me as chancellor is the opportunity to stand witness to your academic excellence and personal growth. There is no higher honor than presiding over today’s ceremony and for that I am forever indebted to all of you.”
The morning session featured graduates from the Business School, the College of Architecture and Planning, and the College of Engineering, Design, and Computing.
During this session, CU Regent Wanda James highlighted the significant contributions of Wilma Webb, who was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters for her philanthropic work and public service, recognizing her as the first and only Black woman in Colorado to serve at all levels of government.
In the afternoon, graduates from the College of Arts & Media, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Education & Human Development, and the School of Public Affairs celebrated their achievements as well.
The commencement combined over 2,000 graduates from across 40 states and more than 70 countries, including Chile, Kenya, Korea, and Australia.
Chancellor Christensen shared an inspiring message with the graduates: “Every day will not be as momentous as a college commencement, but every day provides each of us the opportunity to encounter a moment. What we do with it, is up to us.”
He encouraged them to seek meaningful moments in unexpected places and to recognize how those moments can shape their futures. He asserted, “The more moments we meet, the greater our collective impact.”
As the ceremonies concluded, Christensen welcomed the graduates into the alumni community and expressed the importance of their continued involvement with CU Denver.
“To meet this moment, I need all of you,” he urged.
He challenged the new graduates to stay present in their alma mater’s journey, taking pride in its growth and encouraging a spirit of creativity and forward-thinking by bringing fresh ideas back to campus.
Among the graduates, Isaac Kron, a Bachelor of Science candidate, expressed his excitement about the day, looking forward to hearing his family cheer as he walks across the stage, stating, “It’s been a long journey. … It’s been life changing. I’ve grown so much at this place, and it’s been awesome.”
Lexus Harris, who earned her Master of Criminal Justice online, revealed her excitement about entering the next chapter of her life: “I’m excited, of course, and ready for the next chapter of my life.”
Andrea Ferrel-Alvarez, a Bachelor of Science graduate, shared her favorite moment at CU Denver, highlighting the support she received from her professors as a first-generation student, stating, “I just faced a lot of adversity with trying to get my internship hours and just [my professor’s] guidance and, like, really helping me feel seen.”
Lastly, Jackson McMurdo Gould, a Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate, fondly remembered his time studying abroad in Singapore, sharing, “The skills I’ve learned at CU Denver have been really great and helpful to push me.”
The day encapsulated the spirit of CU Denver, honoring the resilience and achievements of its graduates as they embark on their next adventures.
image source from：https://news.ucdenver.edu/cu-denver-graduates-celebrate-and-prepare-for-the-future/
