Every year, senior students wait in anticipation for the moment when they are handed their diploma.

That moment will happen soon for graduating Colorado Mesa University students. The commencement ceremony for CMU’s spring 2017 graduation will take place on May 13, at 8:30 a.m.

There are expected to be 1,110 students receiving degrees, and 1,205 degrees will be awarded. Last year there was a total of 1,203 students and 1,349 degrees awarded.

One of the many students graduating is Taylor Sturm, she is receiving her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and health promotion.

“There’s lots of feelings that come with graduation. Ask me on a different day and I’ll have a different answer,” Sturm said. “I’m really going to miss the overall feel of campus though. Like when I step on campus the overall feeling is happy, and I don’t think that happens on most campuses.”

Sturm plans to stay in Grand Junction after graduation, and will continue to work at Talon Winery. She has also applied at Brady Chiropractic, where she completed her internship.

Many students approaching graduation feel a range of emotions as they are nearing the end of their college experience.

Haley Fitzgerald is graduating with a bachelor’s in mass communications.

“I am scared, but I also have a feeling of peace. I know everything will work out,” Fitzgerald said. “What I will miss most are probably my friends. We have grown so much and have had so many amazing times. I am grateful, for they are my family.”

Fitzgerald plans to remain in Grand Junction, running the social media account for a local tattoo shop and working at Traders Coffee. In October, she will be heading to Thailand to teach English to children for a year.

The commencement ceremony will take place at Stocker Stadium.

For guests that will not be able to attend the commencement, but would still like to be a part of the event, there will be a live broadcast online.