Highlights from UCR’s 71st Commencement

UC Riverside concluded its 71st Commencement season on June 17, with UCR’s Class of 2025 walking at eight discipline- or degree-based ceremonies.

Approximately 6,100 graduates, 35,000 in-person guests, 32,000 online streamers, and about 375 volunteer staff participated in the celebrations, which started on June 6.

Highlanders belonging to specific groups also took part in additional micro celebrations organized by various student resources like the University Honors Cording, and year-end celebrations hosted by UCR’s ethnic and gender centers.

Ceremonies began with a video compilation of student experiences, a graduate procession to “Pomp and Circumstance,” a faculty and staff procession led by UCR’s Pipe Band, the Star-Spangled Banner, and a Native American land acknowledgment. Next were intros by deans, a welcome from Chancellor Kim Wilcox, words from elected student speakers, industry keynotes, the reading of graduate names, the singing of UCR’s Alma Mater, “Hail Fair UCR,” tassel turning, and, finally, a recession. Scotty the Bear also made appearances and mingled with the guests in the stands.

The Highlander Class of 2025 debuted blue caps and gowns, a change from the traditional black regalia worn by previous graduates.

This year’s ceremonies were the last for Wilcox, who is stepping down as Chancellor at the end of this month. UCR’s class of 2025 diplomas were the last to feature his signature. Chancellor-delegate S. Jack Hu will assume his position on July 15.

Watch all ceremony recordings at commencement.ucr.edu. And if you haven't already, sign the Highlander Class of 2025 Yearbook.

Commencement Speakers:

College of Engineering: Christopher S. Lynch (dean), Joe Jimenez (computer engineering student speaker), Chloe Au (tassel turner)
College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences: Daryle Williams (dean), Josiah Alpher (TFDP student speaker), Minor Jared Garcia Hernandez Estrada (political science student speaker), and Ahman Greene, Michelle Wang, and Vivian Herrera (tassel turners)
College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences: Peter W. Atkinson (dean), Alyssa Marie Brand (national anthem singer), Dina Mirmotalebisohi (biology student speaker), Ria Nair (alma mater singer), and Abby Choy (tassel turner)
Graduate Division Hooding: Lidia Kos (vice provost and dean), Ivette Gabriella (psychology student speaker), and Aaron Bushong (University Honors director)
School of Business: Yunzeng Wang (dean), Devyani Mishira (MBA student speaker) and Cooper Kumar (bachelor’s student speaker and tassel turner)
School of Education: Joi A. Spencer (dean), Paul A. Perez (student speaker), and Kellsie Pham-Nguyen (tassel turner)
School of Medicine: Dr. Deborah Deas (dean), Dr. Xaida Wright (medical education student speaker), Xavier Becerra (25th U.S. secretary of health and human services), and Dr. Pablo Joo (senior associate dean for SOM medical education)
School of Public Policy: Mark Long (dean), Jocelyn Escobar (student speaker), Naia Pizarro (tassel turner)