Historic photos: A look back at University of Arizona Commencement ceremonies
As students graduate with a combined sense of relief, accomplishment and fear of the future, they take part in commencement exercises that include illustrious speakers, cheers and a few shenanigans.
This year's UA commencement is Friday, May 12 at Arizona Stadium.
University of Arizona Commencement May 27, 1953.
University of Arizona Woman's Day May 1965
Arizona elder statesman Barry Goldwater gives his best wishes to Rebecca Wood, who received her degree in medicine at UA commencement exercises. Goldwater, who presented the commencement address, advised the graduates to be honest in everything and cherish freedom. May 13, 1989.
Senator Barry Goldwater at UA Graduation speaking at the graduation ceremonies at McKale Center on May 13, 1989.
Fine arts graduate Tim Brigham waits for commencement to begin Dec,. 19, 1992, at the University of Arizona, as he wears his sentiments on his head.
With boxing gloves on ready to fight the outside world, computer science major Mohit Bhapia celebrates graduating along with his classmates at McKale Center on May 12, 2001.
University of Arizona head basketball coach Lute Olson, who gave the commencement speech to UA's 124th graduating class May 12, 2001, laughs as he recalls how preparing for this speech was harder than preparing for Illinois, Michigan State, and Duke, all teams that UA had to play against in the this year's Final Four.
UA students break out "Silly String" to celebrate their graduation during the UA 115th Commencement at McKale Center Dec. 19, 1996.
Some of the 1,607 graduating students who took part in the UA's 116th commencement May 17, 1997, spelled out their joy during the ceremony at McKale Center.
More than 1,700 students attended 1998 UA graduation ceremony at McKale Center.
Members of the UA Class of 1948 whoop it up during the commencement of the class of '98 at McKale Center. They were honored on their class's 50th Anniversary. Graduates use silly string to celebrate 1998 UA graduation ceremony at McKale center.
UA President Peter Likins congratulates graduates during commencement ceremony at McKale Center on May 13, 2000.
Bachelor's party: Espree Kessler gets a lift from fellow grad David Ellis. Both got bachelor's degrees.
Tortillas litter the floor of McKale Center following commencement at the University of Arizona May 15, 2010 in Tucson, Ariz. Once a proud tradition, tortilla throwing is now banned, but a few snuck their way past security.
Graduates get one last celebration on the floor of McKale Center following the Spring 2012 Commencement at McKale Center, Saturday, May 12, 2012. Dr. Peter Rhee, the trama surgeon who worked on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords during last year's shooting, was the honorary guest speaker. A total of 4,206 undergraduate degrees, 882 master's degrees, and 298 doctoral degrees were conferred.
About 6,000 students graduated from the UA on May 17, 2014.
The thousands of bachelor’s degree eligible students and their decorated mortar boards, shuffle through the southend of Arizona Stadium towards seats on the field for the 151st Commencement ceremonies for the University of Arizona, Saturday, May 16, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
A graduate sports his Arizona state flag with a UA block A logo during the 152nd University of Arizona Commencement.
Graduates, including psychology major Kayla Holder at right, cheer as the fireworks go off during the 153rd University of Arizona Commencement ceremony on May 12, 2017, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. UA president Ann Weaver Hart conferred about 6,800 degrees on the Class of 2017. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
Ryan Valenzuela, receiving his bachelor’s degree in business administration, whoops as he walks in with fellow graduates during the 154th University of Arizona Commencement.
Arizona Stadium played host to 4,500 graduates and an estimated 40,000 guests during the 154th University of Arizona Commencement .
The University of Arizona President Roberts C. Robbins speaks during The UA's 158th Commencement Ceremony at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. on May 13, 2022.
Jane Korjenek, right, takes a selfie with her daughter Abbie Korjenek before the University of Arizona’s 158th Commencement Ceremony at Arizona Stadium.
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The University of Arizona is canceling its winter commencement ceremony.
"If public health conditions do change, we will modify the ceremony plans as needed to minimize the risk for graduates, guests, our staff, faculty and people in the community," President Robert C. Robbins said.
She escaped Cambodian genocide as a teen and college seemed elusive. Now, at 57, Carol Kay is graduating from the University of Arizona this week along with two sons.
