Commencement

The 2024 Commencement Season is a Wrap!

ilseu — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 22:43:29 +0000

The 2024 Commencement Season is a Wrap! ilseu Wed, 06/26/2024 - 15:43 More Blog Posts June 26, 2024

UC Riverside concluded its 70th Commencement season on June 18, 2024, with 896 graduates from the UCR School of Business proudly walking across the stage at the Toyota Arena in Ontario. This milestone moment was part of a campus-wide celebration of UCR’s Class of 2024, which participated in a total of eight discipline- or degree-based ceremonies. Altogether, more than 6,000 graduates were recognized in front of cheering audiences, marking one of the largest and most significant events in the university’s history.

The scale of Commencement highlighted the importance of the occasion. Over 40,000 in-person guests gathered to honor the achievements of their family members and friends, while an additional 40,000 tuned in virtually to stream the ceremonies online. The success of the season also depended on the support of approximately 350 volunteer staff who dedicated their time to ensure the events ran smoothly from beginning to end.

Each ceremony followed a carefully crafted program designed to reflect tradition while honoring the individuality of the graduating class. Proceedings opened with a celebratory video compilation showcasing student experiences and accomplishments during their time at UC Riverside. Graduates then processed to the familiar and inspiring strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” followed by a faculty procession led by UCR’s iconic Pipe Band. A pre-recorded orchestral rendition of the National Anthem and a Native American land acknowledgment set the tone of inclusivity, recognition, and respect.

Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox extended a heartfelt welcome, acknowledging the dedication of the Class of 2024 and recognizing the families, faculty, and staff who supported the graduates along the way. Deans from each school introduced their graduates, while elected student speakers delivered powerful and personal messages on behalf of their peers. These speeches served as a reflection of the resilience, creativity, and determination of the graduating class.

One of the most meaningful portions of the program was the reading of graduate names as students crossed the stage. Families and friends cheered as each name was called, symbolizing years of hard work and perseverance. The ceremonies also included the singing of UC Riverside’s alma mater, “Hail Fair UCR,” which united the audience and participants in school spirit. Graduates then turned their tassels to mark their official transition from students to alumni before recessing as newly minted members of the Highlander alumni community. Adding a lighthearted and memorable touch, Scotty the Bear, UCR’s beloved mascot, appeared in a graduation gown to celebrate alongside the students.

UCR BUSINESS Commencement Program (PDF)

Beyond the main ceremonies, the Class of 2024 was also honored at micro celebrations organized by various student resource centers. These events highlighted the diversity and inclusivity of the UCR community. Graduates participated in Honor’s Cording, African Student Program’s Black Grad, Chicano Student Program’s Raza Grad, and the Women’s Resource Center’s Family Grad. For the first time in UCR history, the Asian Pacific Student Program hosted an AAPI Grad, expanding representation and recognition for Asian American and Pacific Islander students. These smaller, identity-based ceremonies created spaces for cultural expression, community support, and recognition of the unique journeys students undertook during their time at UCR.

Commencement 2024 was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a testament to UC Riverside’s commitment to tradition, diversity, and community. By blending large-scale university ceremonies with intimate, identity-centered celebrations, UCR ensured that every graduate could see themselves reflected in the festivities. The 70th Commencement season reaffirmed the university’s dedication to honoring the achievements of all Highlanders, sending graduates into the world with pride, confidence, and the support of the UCR community.

Congratulations, Class of 2024!

Commencement at the Toyota Arena Photo Album

Reception at the UCR barn Photo Album

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Commencement

Congratulations, Class of 2023!

avija016 — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 19:01:55 +0000

Congratulations, Class of 2023! avija016 Fri, 06/30/2023 - 12:01 More News June 27, 2023

UC Riverside wrapped up its 69th Commencement season on June 22, 2023 — with UCR’s Class of 2023 walking at 10 discipline or degree-based ceremonies, which started earlier in the month. These ceremonies gave graduates the opportunity to celebrate years of hard work and academic achievement, surrounded by faculty, peers, and family members. Each ceremony was carefully organized to honor the distinct disciplines and degree programs that together reflect the diverse academic landscape of the university.

In addition to the main ceremonies, Highlanders belonging to specific communities were also able to participate in micro celebrations organized by student resource centers. These included Honor’s Cording, ASP’s Black Grad, CSP’s Raza Grad, and WRC’s Family Grad, which was the first of its kind for graduating student-parents. These smaller, more personal gatherings allowed students to celebrate their accomplishments in ways that reflected their identities, values, and support systems. They provided important moments of recognition and pride for communities that are an integral part of the UCR experience.

Over 6,000 graduates participated in the celebrations, joined by approximately 54,000 guests who came from across the state, country, and beyond to honor their achievements. The scope of the event required a significant level of organization, and nearly 340 volunteer staff registered to help coordinate the monthlong festivities. Their efforts ensured that families, friends, and graduates alike experienced a smooth and memorable celebration that reflected the spirit of the Highlander community.

The School of Business held its own special reception for graduates and their families on Wednesday, June 21, at The Barn, one of UCR’s most iconic and historic venues. This event allowed graduates and loved ones to gather in a relaxed setting, reconnect with classmates, and share stories about their time at UCR. It was an occasion to acknowledge not only academic success but also the resilience and determination required to complete a degree. The following day, more than 1,000 School of Business students walked in the commencement ceremony at Toyota Arena, which was filled to capacity with cheering guests. The scale of participation highlighted both the growth of the School of Business and the enthusiasm of the community in celebrating these achievements.

Each ceremony included traditions and elements that made the day meaningful. Faculty, deans, and student speakers addressed the graduates, offering words of encouragement, wisdom, and reflection. A Native American land acknowledgment paid tribute to the original stewards of the land where UCR is located. Ceremonies also recognized UC’s Scottish influence with a procession led by the UCR Pipe Band, whose performance added a sense of tradition and pageantry to the proceedings. Graduating students sang the Star-Spangled Banner, symbolizing unity and shared pride, before receiving smiles, handshakes, and congratulations from UCR leaders such as Chancellor Kim Wilcox and Associate Chancellor Christine Victorino.

Commencement at UC Riverside in 2023 was more than a series of ceremonies. It was the culmination of dedication, community support, and institutional pride. For graduates, it marked the beginning of new chapters in their lives, while for families, faculty, and staff, it served as a reminder of the importance of higher education and the role it plays in shaping future leaders. The Class of 2023 left the university with both memories of this milestone and the foundation to contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions.

Commencement Ceremony on June 22, 2023 at the Toyota Arena in Ontario

View the Ceremony photo album

Commencement Reception on June 21, 2023 at The Barn at UCR

View the Reception photo album

Watch the full recording of the ceremony's live stream:

2023 Business Commencement FAQs / Print the 2023 program

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Commencement

student success

Thousands of UCR Students Graduate

ilseu — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 17:00:25 +0000

Thousands of UCR Students Graduate ilseu Sun, 06/12/2022 - 10:00 More News David Downey | The Press-Enterprise June 11, 2022

THE PRESS ENTERPRISE -- UC Riverside students are receiving degrees in ceremonies that conclude this weekend, including UCR School of Business candidates who walked Friday night, June 10, at Pierce Lawn on campus.

A total of 12 commencement ceremonies were planned between June 3, and Monday, June 13, some outside and some indoors.

Sandra Baltazar Martínez, UCR senior public information officer, wrote in an email that 7,272 students were eligible to graduate.

Martínez said that included 1,117 students in the School of Business, 420 in the School of Education, 1,006 in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering, 2,808 in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, 1,682 in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, 81 in the School of Medicine and 158 in the School of Public Policy.

(...)

This article was originally published in The Press-Enterprise on June 11, 2022.

Photos: Milka Soko for The Press-Enterprise

View more photos on Flickr:

Go to Flickr album

View the live recording of the UCR School of Business Commencement ceremony:

View a short video of the UCR Business Commencement highlights:

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Header image: Angelique Samaro, who earned her MBA at UC Riverside’s School of Business, reacts on Friday, June 10, 2022, during the Class of 2022’s graduation ceremony. (Photo by Milka Soko, PE Contributing Photographer)

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Commencement

student success

‘Closure’ for 2020 and 2021 Graduates

ilseu — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 23:51:46 +0000

‘Closure’ for 2020 and 2021 Graduates ilseu Fri, 06/18/2021 - 16:51 More Blog Posts Sandra Baltazar Martínez June 16, 2021

Through early mornings and afternoon heat, students and their guests trekked to UC Riverside for this year’s modified in-person commencement ceremonies.

Nearly 4,500 UCR students signed up to participate in these live events, including students from class of 2020.

Here are a few moments captured during the UCR School of Business ceremony that took place on June 12, 2021.

UCR School of Business graduates shared their thoughts and emotions after walking across the stage:

Lindsey Delgado, 21

B.S. in business administration

“I’m so happy and excited. On Monday I start a summer internship with Deloitte in San Francisco, and a master’s at UC San Diego in the fall. It was just really exciting to share the moment with my parents. I really appreciate them; they’ve done so much.”

Lindsey Delgado with her parents, Violeta Delgado and Adalberto Aparicio, on Saturday, June 12, 2021. (UCR/Sandra Baltazar Martínez)

Darlyn Garcia, 32

B.S. in accounting and auditing

"¡Sí se judo!" Garcia's mom, Hortencia Garcia said in Spanish. "Yes, it was done!" she said as she and her husband, Simon Garcia, walked with their youngest daughter.

“I can’t believe I made it! I also have an accountant job with a Southern California Edison subcontractor. I’m just so happy!”

Darlyn Garcia, 32, with her parents, Hortencia and Simon Garcia, on Saturday, June 12, 2021. (UCR/Sandra Baltazar Martínez)

Raymond Jimenez ’20, 28

B.S. in business analytics

During the height of the pandemic, he started working with Foodnome, a virtual marketplace of home-cooked and prepared meals. For commencement, he decorated his cap with a message in Spanish: “For my parents. They came with nothing and gave me everything.”
“I love it. It feels like I’m actually being recognized for all the triumphs and tribulations that came from COVID. I also feel recognized as a transfer student. In the near future, I’m planning on pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity and public policy.”

Raymond Jimenez, 28, and his classmate, celebrate on Saturday, June 12, 2021. (UCR/Stan Lim)

Justin Khuong, 21

B.S. in accounting

Khuong's mother, Lien Duong, was full of emotion. Her son graduated and already has a job lined up with an accounting firm in Los Angeles. His father, Peter Khuong, said he's excited for his son's new journey.

“I am relieved and scared at the same time. I’m a little scared for what the future holds, but this is also a new beginning.”

Justin Khuong with his parents, Lien Duong and Peter Khuong on Saturday, June 12, 2021. (UCR/Sandra Baltazar Martínez)

Michelle Phan, 21

B.S. in business operations and supply chain management

She and her friends waited in line to pose for a photo in front of a UCR School of Business banner. She carried a white unicorn-shaped piñata with a colorful mane, a gift from her friends, who added crisp dollar bills along its mane.

“It feels great; we did it! It’s also a bit surreal, especially because we made it happen, even through this pandemic.”

Michelle Phan, holding her unicorn money piñata, on Saturday, June 12, 2021. (UCR/Sandra Baltazar Martínez)

Darrell Richardson ’16, 26

Master’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in management; bachelor’s in sociology

Richardson and his parents, Chandrika and Darrell Richardson, had huge smiles as they made their way to the front of the gym. Seeing students like their son walk across the stage is great because they worked hard and deserve the acknowledgement, Chandrika said.

“I was nervous at first because I didn’t know what was going to happen. But I’m happy to be here today.”

Darrell Richardson graduated on Saturday, June 12, 2021. (UCR/Stan Lim)

Niko Romero, 22

B.S. in finance

He attended commencement with his little brother by his side, Ezekiel Romero, 14.

“I’m happy, and I’m going to pursue whatever God has for me. I’m currently looking for opportunities, internships in finance.”

Niko Romero and his little brother, Ezekiel Romero, 14, on Saturday, June 12, 2021. (UCR/Stan Lim)

What does UCR mean to these grads? Hear for yourself:

Watch the UCR School of Business Virtual Commencement Ceremony:

Read the original article and view more student stories on news.ucr.edu:

View full article

See more School of Business Commencement Ceremony photos on our Flickr account:

View more images

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Commencement

UCR Holds Limited In-Person 2021 Graduations

ilseu — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 17:14:48 +0000

UCR Holds Limited In-Person 2021 Graduations ilseu Thu, 06/17/2021 - 10:14 More Blog Posts Allyson Escobar | The Press-Enterprise June 12, 2021

THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE -- The School of Business held its ceremony for both master’s and bachelor’s degree candidates on Saturday morning, June 12, at the student recreation center on campus.

Chancellor Kim Wilcox announced in April, UCR would hold limited in-person ceremonies. The students signed up for time blocks to walk across the stage as names were read. They had their photos taken in academic regalia while staying socially distant.

The formal ceremony remained a virtual event.

Only two guests were allowed on campus, a recent change after some students raised concerns of not being able to have a “real” ceremony.

The university also had virtual commencement ceremonies for the respective colleges, and were available to stream starting Friday night, June 11. Last year, all the school’s graduations were virtual.

In-person graduations continue through Monday, June 14. (...)

School of Business Commencement Ceremony 2021 -- Photos (c) Press-Enterprise / Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer

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Commencement