Spring commencement breaks records

May 16, 2011 by Kendle Walters 

Despite university’s struggles, more degrees, doctorates granted this term than ever before

In the largest graduation to date, UNLV awarded nearly 2,900 degrees this spring.

The latest UNLV graduates gathered to celebrate their academic accomplishments at the 2011 spring commencement ceremony on Saturday.

The event also marked the awarding of the most doctoral degrees in the university’s history.

Two ceremonies were held to accommodate all the graduation candidates. A morning ceremony honored students from the colleges and schools of law, fine arts, allied health sciences, community health sciences, nursing, liberal arts, sciences and urban affairs and the graduate college.

The second ceremony recognized UNLV graduates from the colleges and schools of dental medicine, business, education, engineering and hotel administration and also included graduate students.

UNLV President Neal Smastresk told the audiences that the university has been tested by budget cuts but still has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing the finest education.

“We are proud of this graduating class, which is one of the finest in UNLV’s history,” Smatresk said.

He praised the faculty for their dedication despite the challenging times UNLV is experiencing.

Regent James Dean Leavitt congratulated the graduates but reminded the audience that higher education is in jeopardy.

“There’s been an unprecedented assault on the academy,” Leavitt said.

He said that latest graduating class is valuable to Nevada — that UNLV’s 2011 graduates will have lower bankruptcy and divorce rates and be better off in the future because of their experience at UNLV.

Leavitt also said that he wants Nevada to focus on what he says is the most important investment for Nevada‘s future: the “human capital” of the state.

“The board of regents is doing everything we can to protect the budget,” he said. “Everything about UNLV is about blessing and enriching people’s lives.”

He mentioned the countless hours that UNLV students have contributed to the community, including services provided by the law school, dental school and school of social work.

“The things that keep a fabric of society together, that’s what we do at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas,” Leavitt said. “If you can’t get excited about that, then I don’t know what will.”

Several students were recognized for their accomplishments both at the university and in the community. Smatresk honored four distinguished students for their achievements and dedication to higher education.

Theron and Naomi Goynes, Genevieve Segerbloom, and Anna Lou Call Peterson received recognition as Distinguished Nevadans for their contributions to the community and support of higher education.

“This is the biggest class in UNLV’s Spring graduation history and UNLV has a global reach and impact,” Smatresk said.

Graduates represented 44 U.S. states and 60 foreign countries.

Shang Pu, who earned his bachelor’s in international business with a minor in Chinese, spoke at the ceremony to his fellow students.

“Today, we are officially college graduates,” Pu said. “This is the start of something amazing.”

Pu encouraged graduate candidates to celebrate their accomplishments and the successes that those achievements bring to the community.

“Don’t let anyone minimize the part you played here at UNLV,” Pu said.

The newest UNLV graduates range in age 19 to 78. The average age of the graduate and professional students is 31 and the average age of baccalaureate candidates is 26.

President Smastresk noted that since 1964, UNLV has awarded 99,000 degrees. Seventy-nine percent of the graduates this year are residents of Nevada.

The commencement streamed live, on the UNLV website giving those that were unable to attend, an opportunity to be a part of the celebration.

The UNLV News Twitter feed tweeted messages and photos from the graduates and the opportunity to show pride for a new UNLV student was offered to friends and families through the UNLV commencement website.

Photos could be uploaded through the UNLV Facebook page so that graduates and their families could post pictures and comments highlighting the achievements of the latest alumni.

Contact Kendle Walters at kendle.walters.ry@gmail.com.