Photos: A look back at UA 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.
A look back at UA Commencement ceremonies
University of Arizona Commencement May 27, 1953.
A look back at UA Commencement ceremonies
University of Arizona Woman's Day May 1965
A look back at UA Commencement ceremonies
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.
A look back at UA Commencement ceremonies
With boxing gloves on ready to fight the outside world, computer science major Mohit Bhapia celebrates graduating along with his classmates at McKale Center Saturday morning May 12, 2001.
A look back at UA Commencement ceremonies
Senator Barry Goldwater at UA Graduation speaking at the graduation ceremonies at McKale Center on May 13, 1989.
A look back at UA Commencement ceremonies
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.
A look back at UA Commencement ceremonies
Students break out "Silly String" to celebrate their graduation during the UA's 115th Commencement at McKale Center Dec. 19, 1996.
A look back at UA Commencement ceremonies
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.
A look back at UA Commencement ceremonies
More than 1,700 students attended 1998 UA graduation ceremony at McKale Center.
A look back at UA Commencement ceremonies
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.
A look back at UA Commencement ceremonies
Bachelor's party: Espree Kessler gets a lift from fellow grad David Ellis on Dec. 15, 2001. Both received bachelor's degrees.
A look back at UA Commencement ceremonies
Tortillas litter the floor of McKale Center following commencement at the University of Arizona on May 15, 2010 in Tucson, Ariz. Once a proud tradition, tortilla-throwing is now banned, but a few snuck their way past security.
A look back at UA Commencement ceremonies
Graduates get one last celebration on the floor of McKale Center following the Spring 2012 Commencement on May 12, 2012. Dr. Peter Rhee, the trauma surgeon who worked on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords following the 2011 mass shooting, was the honorary guest speaker. A total of 4,206 undergraduate degrees, 882 master's degrees, and 298 doctoral degrees were conferred.
A look back at UA Commencement ceremonies
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.
Look through our slideshow of decorated graduation caps at azstarnet.com/gallery, join the gallery by sending pictures of your fancy mortarboa…
An evening of pomp and circumstance at the UA’s 150th Commencement Ceremony lost some of its showiness when students tried to cope with an eve…
The University of Arizona “screwed up” when it made thousands of recent graduates wait outdoors for hours in near-100-degree heat and failed t…
More than 4,000 graduates along with about 40,000 guests are expected.
Some 5,000 UA students belong to a fraternity or sorority.
Vivek Murthy is youngest person to serve in post.
The main ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m. on May 13 at Arizona Stadium.