The University of Arizona is gearing up for its 162nd Commencement, where approximately 10,000 degrees will be awarded on May 15. This significant event will be presided over by President Suresh Garimella and marks a momentous occasion for graduates and their families.
The ceremony will commence at 7:30 p.m. at the Casino Del Sol Stadium and is expected to last around 90 minutes. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed on YouTube. Historically, the Commencement ceremony attracts more than 30,000 guests annually.
Heather Lukach, executive director for presidential events and university ceremonies, commented on the excitement leading up to the event, stating, “Graduates and their families will soon be welcomed by a remarkable community of dedicated staff, faculty and volunteers from across the university, all coming together to create an unforgettable Commencement experience. It’s a powerful moment to honor our graduates’ hard work, resilience and achievements as they reach this important milestone in their life journey.”
Notable Speaker and Collaborations
This year’s Commencement will feature Eric Schmidt, the former CEO and Chairman of Google, as the keynote speaker. Schmidt, who is also the co-founder of several philanthropic organizations and the chair and CEO of Relativity Space, brings a wealth of experience in both technology and philanthropy. His foundation, Schmidt Sciences, is notably partnering with the University of Arizona on Lazuli, the world’s first fully privately funded space telescope.
Schmidt has praised the university’s role in advancing discovery, saying, “The University of Arizona embodies the curiosity, rigor and bold imagination that will shape the next era of discovery – not just in science and technology, but in tackling the world’s greatest challenges.”
Guest Information
Attendees can enter Casino Del Sol Stadium through Gates 3, 4, 6, and 7 starting at 6 p.m. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and no tickets are required. Standard game-day security measures, including a clear bag policy and metal detector screenings, will be in effect. For additional convenience, guests can utilize the SafeCats app for campus maps and real-time updates.
For more detailed information, guests are encouraged to visit the Commencement website.
Honorary Degrees and Awards
Eric Schmidt will be honored with a Doctor of Science degree from the College of Science, joining four other distinguished individuals receiving honorary degrees. Alice Chaiten Baker will be recognized by the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences for her philanthropic contributions, and Gabrielle Giffords will be awarded by the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture for her advocacy work.
Additional honorees include F. Ronald Rayner, noted for his advances in agriculture, and Scott Stuber, a prominent figure in the film industry. Cisco Aguilar will receive the Alumni Achievement Award for his efforts in modernizing the office of Nevada’s Secretary of State.
Student Achievements
Seven exceptional students will be acknowledged with awards during the Commencement ceremony:
Provost Award: Grant Palmer, Bachelor of Science in medicine with a minor in biochemistry.
Robert Logan Nugent Award: Alicia Salazar Conteras and Lane Vazquez Luna, graduates in speech, language, and hearing sciences, Spanish, and biochemistry.
Robie Gold Medal Awards: Braelyn Huff and Gabriel Trinidad, graduates in economics, politics, philosophy, law, physiology and medical sciences.
Merrill P. Freeman Medals: Imon Contractor and Nicholas Davis, graduates in operations, supply chain management, and accounting.
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