A recent graduate and his wife stand atop the steps of the Ritchie Center after the “crimson ceremony,” the first of two commencement events held for doctoral and master’s students.
The morning sun warmed the steps of the Ritchie Center as University of Denver master’s and doctoral graduates gathered, ready to be ushered into Magness Arena—marking the start of a day years in the making.
Surrounded by thousands of family members, friends, and supporters, nearly 1,900 students from 10 schools and colleges came together to celebrate their hard-earned achievements across two ceremonies on Friday, June 13.
The ceremonies featured remarks from Chancellor Jeremy Haefner and keynote speaker Robert C. Newman, who inspired graduates to carry forward the values of kindness, spontaneity, and unity as they move ahead.
Here’s a glimpse into the unforgettable moments that made this day truly special for DU’s newest graduates.
Photos by Dave Pavlina
Lauren Taylor shows off her graduation cap, embroidered with strawberries and a belt. A member of the Seneca Nation, Taylor decorated her cap and wore a medallion to represent her tribe, which also awarded her a scholarship. Taylor graduated with a master’s degree in school counseling from the Morgridge College of Education.
Even though she lived in California and completed her program online, Taylor has felt supported by DU’s community from the beginning: “From day one everyone has been so supportive. I don’t think there’s ever been a moment that I haven’t felt a sense of family. I felt brought in right away and am going to miss that a lot,” she says.
Three students walk to the designated graduate entrance to the Ritchie Center before the “gold ceremony.” Students filed in from all over campus leading up to both ceremonies, at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Minutes before the ceremony is set to begin, a soon-to-be graduate walks past a Denver arch lighted sign on the wall just before entering Magness Arena to be seated for Friday’s commencement ceremony. Just under 1,900 doctoral and master’s students graduated between the two ceremonies.
Graduate and doctoral students file into Magness Arena to mark the start of DU’s commencement. Ceremonies for undergraduate students took place on Saturday, June 14.
Standing at the podium on stage alongside other university dignitaries, Chancellor Jeremy Haefner addresses the master’s and doctoral students who are seated on the floor of Magness Arena. Drawing inspiration from Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address, Haefner’s remarks encouraged graduates to embody kindness, charity, and unity in the face of adversity.
Students smile while seated on the floor of Magness Arena during the commencement ceremony. Keynote speaker Robert C. Newman, an honorary life trustee and active philanthropist, centered his talk on the power of serendipity and being open to unexpected experiences and opportunities.
A new graduate smiles while walking off stage with a diploma in hand during Friday’s master’s and doctoral commencement ceremony.
With the carillon playing in the background, new graduates throw their caps into the air outside the Ritchie Center following their commencement ceremony in Magness Arena.
Diploma in hand, a new graduate throws a cap into the air just outside the doors of the Ritchie Center following commencement.
