Picture perfect: Students prepare to walk onto the Eastman Quadrangle. (University photo / J. Adam Fenster)Fun with bubbles: Alex Goldman has some fun with bubbles while waiting before the ceremony. (University photo / Keith Walters)Getting a lift: Edgar Alaniz gets a hand from classmates Zach Shaw, Chris Norton, Justin Brennan, Evan Lyle, Michelangelo Bertocchi, Frank Dettore Schenkelberg, and Charles Pfiefer in the staging area. (University photo / Keith Walters)Upward bound: Hajim School graduates ascend the stairs to the staging area inside Eastman Theatre. (University photo / Keith Walters)Unflagging: Jessica Bernstein stands with the Institute of Optics flag as her fellow Hajim School graduates enter Kodak Hall. (University photo / Keith Walters)The future is bright: Composer Jake Heggie delivers the commencement address. āMusic is essential,ā he says, āand it is essentially optimistic. It is about the future, the very best of what we can achieve together.ā (University photo / J. Adam Fensters)Music education for all: Heggie implores the graduating class to reach, gather, and connect people through music: āHereās your most urgent charge, Class of 2017: Get the arts back into public schools now.ā (University photo / J. Adam Fenster)A moment to savor: The PhD candidates have a few minutes to reflect on their achievements as they take their seats. (University photo / J. Adam Fenster)Standing proud: Candidates rise as the doctor of philosophy degrees are conferred. (University photo / J. Adam Fenster)Hug it out: Flutura Shala embraces Joyce Duckles, assistant professor (clinical) of counseling and human development. (University photo / Keith Walters)You made it! In the moments after the degrees are conferred, the graduates are recognized and feted by an audience of supporters. (University photo / Keith Walters)Pre-ceremony selfie: (from left to right) Eric Chang, Sthuthi David, Ben Hyers, and Pooja Prasad take a group selfie before the ceremony officially kicks off. (University photo / Keith Walters)Take it all in: Family, friends, and loved ones filled Kodak Hall. (University photo / Keith Walters)Everyday superheroes: Rosario-McCabeās fellow candidates react during his remarks, including his comment that nursesāfound working everywhere from cruise ships to congressāare superheroes in their own right. (University photo / J. Adam Fenster)It’s official! Members of the graduating class of the School of Nursing move their tassels after their degrees are conferred. (University photo / J. Adam Fenster)
