News Summary
UC Irvine celebrated its graduation weekend with over 8,600 Anteaters graduating across 12 ceremonies, highlighting academic success and diversity. Notably, 42% of the graduates are first-generation college students, and the commencement featured keynote speeches from prominent figures including California’s Attorney General. The event is a testament to UC Irvine’s commitment to access and representation in education, exemplified by remarkable graduates such as 14-year-old math prodigy Tycho Elling. The graduation not only marks individual achievements but also reflects the university’s ongoing mission to support students from various backgrounds.
IRVINE – Over the weekend, UC Irvine celebrated its graduation weekend with more than 8,600 Anteaters earning their degrees across 12 commencement ceremonies held at the Bren Events Center. This milestone event recognizes the academic achievements of students across various disciplines and reflects the university’s commitment to student diversity and success.
The commencement weekend began with ceremonies for the School of Social Sciences and the College of Health Sciences on Friday, followed by celebrations on Saturday for the Schools of Engineering, Information and Computer Sciences, Education, and Physical Sciences. Sunday featured the School of Business, the School of Arts, and the School of Biological Sciences, while the final ceremonies on Monday honored graduates from the School of Social Ecology and the School of Humanities.
This year’s graduating class is notably diverse; 42% of the bachelor’s degree recipients are first-generation college students, with nearly one-third having transferred from community colleges. Additionally, UC Irvine is recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution, with a significant portion of its undergraduate population identifying as Latino. Specifically, 2,240 Latinos will receive their bachelor’s degrees this year, showcasing the university’s dedication to accessibility and representation.
Keynote speakers for the ceremonies included well-respected figures in various fields. Henry and Susan Samueli spoke on Friday night, sharing insights drawn from their experiences. On Saturday, Ed Thorp, a hedge fund pioneer and founding faculty member at UC Irvine, addressed graduates. The weekend concluded with a speech from California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta on Monday.
UC Irvine Chancellor Howard Gillman emphasized that the graduating class embodies the university’s ongoing commitment to access, affordability, and upward economic mobility. For the academic year 2024-25, UC Irvine will confer over 10,000 degrees, highlighting the institution’s growth and commitment to student success.
Among the impressive graduates is 14-year-old Tycho Elling, a math prodigy who graduated with his bachelor’s degree during the weekend ceremonies. Previously the youngest graduate at Irvine Valley College, Tycho earned his associate’s degree at just 12 years old. He has accelerated his educational journey through online charter schooling, focusing heavily on college-level mathematics, which ultimately led to his transfer to UC Irvine. Tycho’s achievements serve as an inspiring example of academic ambition, supported by a family that values education, with other siblings also engaged in advanced studies.
The graduation celebration not only marks academic achievement but also serves as a testament to UC Irvine’s ongoing mission to create opportunities for students from a variety of backgrounds. As graduates accepted their degrees amid cheers from friends and family, the event reflects a collective effort to foster environments that nurture educational success.
As UC Irvine continues to uphold its dedication to diversity, accessibility, and the overall improvement of educational pathways for all students, the annual graduation weekend serves as a vibrant reminder of the meaningful accomplishments and potential of its academic community.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: UCI to Confer More Than 8,600 Degrees at Commencements
- LA Times: 14-Year-Old Math Prodigy Ready for Doctoral Work
- Time: Obama’s Commencement Speech at UC Irvine
- OC Register: UCI Kicks Off Weekend of Commencement Ceremonies
- LA Times: UC Irvine Awards 11,034 Degrees to the Class of 2024
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