Newly minted degrees were conferred to emerging graduates last month on Friday, Dec. 17 in the fall commencement ceremony held indoors in Brownson Arena.
Per usual, an 8 a.m. ceremony and an 11:30 a.m. ceremony were held, divided by program. Sonia Gutierrez and Mathias Mulumba were the student speakers for each ceremony respectively.
Fresh graduates such as Logan Zimmerman, who now holds a bachelor’s in criminal justice, expressed disbelief.
“I can’t believe I have no more discussion posts and no more assignments to do. It’s just me walking across the stage and shaking the president’s hand,” said Zimmerman.
Skylar Nugent, a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in applied anthropology and geography (AAG), reflected on the unexpected emotion of the moment.
“I wanted to walk specifically because I wanted my mom to see me walk […] but I […] felt like I got something out of it too, like, it was like a life transition […] I felt, like, a sense of accomplishment which I didn’t really expect.”
Nugent elaborated that she felt particularly supported and celebrated by her professors during the ceremony.
“When my row got up, and we walked– all of my professors […] were sitting together, and they were [cheering], so that really warmed my heart.”
Ray King, also an AAG graduate, said that among other opportunities, remaining with the community of Colorado Mesa University (CMU) appeals to them.
“If I could work on the CMU campus I would like to [be]cause I really like campus and I really like the people on campus,” said
King.
King elaborated that she was also exploring career options in cultural resource management as well as the opportunity to study a genocide studies program at another university.
Upon their exit from the university, the graduates expressed the highs and lows of their tenure at CMU.
“My highlight was meeting Dr. Seebach. He’s very instrumental in my graduation. My low light, I think it was [getting] accommodations […] There [were] times where as a disabled student where I needed certain accommodations […] and when I broached the subject […] It was said it was up to the professor’s discretion,” said King.
Zimmerman expressed gratitude at the community and connections he’s made through his time at CMU.
“This sounds corny, but honestly, [the best part was] the friendships and […] the professors
[…] that I met […] especially
with Dr. LS [Lumley-Sapanski] […] and Dr. Pennington. Those two I think were most influential in my college experience and they led me to where I am now.”
He also emphasized the importance of inclusion as a facet of the student experience.
“[CMU could improve on] making sure everyone is involved and getting the same recognition and everything like that. I feel like […] my freshman year was hard because it was COVID but […] no one needs to feel lonely on campus.”
The university conferred degrees to 813 graduates in these ceremonies. The spring commencement ceremony will occur on Saturday, May 17 in Stocker Stadium.
