Spring Commencement Honors Record Number of Graduates

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, welcomed a record number of graduates into the Volunteer alumni community during its spring commencement exercises, celebrating their accomplishments alongside their family, friends and other supporters.

Across 10 ceremonies held May 14-17, the university honored the achievements of approximately 9,000 graduates, including spring recipients of undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates as well as summer graduation applicants.

As Tennessee’s flagship university and a national leader in student success, UT remains committed to providing Tennessee students access to scholarships and pathways to higher education. The graduating undergraduate class represents 94 counties across Tennessee and includes 1,176 first-generation college students, 143 student veterans and 65 newly commissioned Army and Air Force ROTC cadets. The class includes 413 honors graduates and 41 national scholarship recipients. Nearly 87% of the graduating undergraduates were awarded a scholarship or grant during their time at UT.

“As we gather to celebrate commencement, we take immense pride in graduating our largest class in the university’s history,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick. “Our graduates are well prepared to step into their next chapters, carrying with them the Volunteer spirit and an enduring legacy of excellence cultivated here on Rocky Top.”

In addition to their academic accomplishments, the spring and summer graduates logged a combined total of 169,909 volunteer hours, demonstrating the service and leadership that exemplify the Volunteer spirit.

Take a look at some of the highlights from the ceremonies.

Graduates celebrate with applause during the Winston College of Law hooding ceremony.

Graduates celebrate with VOL hand gestures and smiles during a spring undergraduate commencement ceremony.

Graduates celebrate with raised arms and capture the moment on their phones during the master’s commencement ceremony.

Graduates hug in celebration after crossing the stage during the Spring undergrad commencement ceremony.

A service dog waits patiently next to its graduate during the spring undergrad commencement ceremony.

Students smile and chat during a spring undergrad commencement ceremony.

Cadets take the oath of office during a spring undergrad commencement ceremony.

Graduates participate in a spring undergraduate commencement ceremony.

Graduates stand together while singing the alma mater in academic regalia during a spring undergrad commencement ceremony.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Stacy Estep (865-974-8304, [email protected])