University community celebrates the remarkable Class of 2024
On May 17, the University of Rochester conferred academic degrees to more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students at its 174th Commencement ceremony. An audience of thousands, including family, friends, loved ones, faculty, staff, community members, and distinguished guests watched the proceedings from Fauver Stadium on the River Campus. Thousands more tuned in online from across the globe.
Here’s a look back at the Class of 2024’s graduation day.
THE BIG MOMENT: Jalen Kendrick was all smiles in the minutes leading up to the ceremony. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)HAT TRICK: Elizabeth Mang adjusted the cap of Nadia Morales as they lined up for the ceremony. University of Rochester photo / Lauren Petracca)HELPING HAND: Tochukwu Iyke-Nzeocha received a hand from Vori Adagunodo before the start of the ceremony. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)FLOWER POWER: Many students found creative ways to decorate their caps. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)
MARCHING MARSHALS: University marshal Hani Awad, left, and associate marshal Kara Bren carried the traditional mace and baton, respectively, as the platform party arrived. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)FILING IN: The platform party greeted some familiar faces as they walked to their spots. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)GREAT MOOD: The graduates were all smiles while lining up at Fauver Stadium. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)DOCTORS ARE IN: Doctoral degree candidates took their seats in Fauver Stadium before the ceremony. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)MUSIC TO THEIR EARS: The renowned Eastman Wind Ensemble, conducted by Mark Davis Scatterday, performed during the processional. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)PRESIDENTIAL PRIDE: University president Sarah Mangelsdorf applauded the more than 3,500 students who graduated. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)ALL EARS: Graduating students listened as University president Sarah Mangelsdorf delivered remarks from the podium. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)AWARD WINNER: University president Sarah Mangelsdorf presented Francis L. Price ’74, ’75S (MBA) with the Charles Force Hutchison and Marjorie Smith Hutchison Medal. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)GOOD ADVICE: Undergraduate speaker Emily Bonanno told fellow graduates to “live in the moment, seize the day, and appreciate the joys in life.” (University of Rochester photo / Keith Walters)FIRST IN FAMILY: Graduate student speaker Raquel Ajalik ’23, who was the first person in her family to earn a college degree, completed a PhD in biomedical engineering last October. (University of Rochester photo / Keith Walters)WORDS OF WISDOM: Commencement speaker Laura L. Carstensen ’78, an expert on longevity, told the graduates, “You have more time than any prior generation. More time to chase your dreams, spend with your loved ones, realize your goals. Time to make mistakes. Your lives will be marathons, not sprints.” (University of Rochester photo / Keith Walters)TUNED IN: Eastman School of Music graduates celebrated the conferral of their degrees. (University of Rochester photo / Keith Walters)THUMBS UP: Graduating students signaled their joy at reaching their graduation milestone. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)FAMILY AFFAIR: A shot from above showed graduates and family members, from grandparents to siblings, gathered in Fauver Stadium. (University of Rochester photo / Lauren Petracca)
SNAP SHOT: Doctoral recipients Spencer Rogers and Maida Tariq posed for a selfie on the Eastman Quadrangle after graduating. (University of Rochester photo / Lauren Petracca)PRIDE OF THE FAMILY: Yaad Kandel took a selfie with his family on the Wilson Quadrangle. (University of Rochester photo / Keith Walters)TIME AT LAST: Sarah Martin (left) and Claire Grover walked under the Wilson Quadrangle clock tower, holding hands. (University of Rochester photo / Keith Walters)THREE CHEERS: Jennifer Garcia Sanchez, Michael Girgis, and Anna Bender celebrated on the Wilson Quadrangle after the graduation ceremony. (University of Rochester photo / Keith Walters)LEAPING FOR JOY: Zhuoran Sun celebrated on the Eastman Quadrangle following the ceremony. (University of Rochester photo / Lauren Petracca)
