UNC Charlotte conferred more than 5,300 undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and graduate certificates during spring commencement ceremonies held in Dale F. Halton Arena on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13. Graduates varied in age from 19 to 74 and represented 53 countries and 43 U.S. states.
Here are just a few of the many great moments from the four commencement ceremonies.
Dezanii Lewis addresses her classmates during the morning commencement ceremony for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Friday, May 12. Lewis received a bachelor’s degree in English.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a legacy student or a first-generation student. It doesn’t matter if you’re a traditional or nontraditional student. And it doesn’t matter if you’re here right where you thought you’d be or if it took you a bit longer than you hoped to get here. All that matters is that you are here and that is something no one can take from you. Today, we are not victims of circumstance but victors of circumstance.”
Graduates from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences display their specially designed commemorative alumni coins from the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association during the morning commencement ceremony Friday, May 12. There were 1,114 graduates from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
Titus Hopper addresses his classmates during the afternoon commencement ceremony for the Graduate School Friday, May 12. Hopper received a doctorate in educational leadership.
“Change is inevitable; however, it is not as bad as many make it out to be because change agents like us will soon cross this revered stage full of new knowledge, new confidence, new perspectives, new relationships, new swag, new purpose and new vision ready to erupt.”
These graduates are all smiles during the afernoon commencement ceremony for the Graduate School Friday, May 12. The Graduate School celebrated 1,567 individuals who earned master’s degrees, doctorate degrees and graduate certificates.
Adriana Medina, associate professor of reading education in the Cato College of Education, is Charlotte’s 2023 recipient of the UNC Board of Governor’s Excellence in Teaching Award.
Graduates from the Cato College of Education (150), The William States Lee College of Engineering (417) and the College of Health & Human Services (459) celebrate receiving their undergraduate degrees during the morning commencement ceremony Saturday, May 13.
Alumnus Demond Martin '97 receives an honorary Doctor of Public Service for his countless efforts on behalf of UNC Charlotte and the citizens of Charlotte, the state and around the nation, during the afternoon commencement ceremony Saturday, May 13.
Chancellor Gaber congratulates a graduate during the afternoon commencement ceremony Saturday, May 13, for graduates from the College of Arts + Architecture (154), the Belk College of Business (698) and the College of Computing and Informatics (389).
Tiera Tavonna Ray serves as bellringer for the afternoon commencement ceremony Saturday, May 13. Ray received a bachelor’s degree in finance from the Belk College of Business. She also is a the recipient of the Chancellor’s Citation for Leadership and Service.
Frenchie Wilson Brown '91, president of the Alumni Board of Directors, welcomes graduates into the Alumni Association network, over 167,000 strong. Brown spoke at all four commencement ceremonies Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13.
“You made an excellent choice when you decided to attend UNC Charlotte. But, it was not just a choice, it was an investment in yourself and your future. Your Charlotte degree will remain with you throughout your life and will pay lasting dividends to you as you navigate your future endeavors.”
One of many graduates who submited a photo of their decorated cap.