University of Oregon Commencement Traditions: A Celebration of Achievement and a Look to the Future
The University of Oregon's commencement ceremonies are a vibrant blend of time-honored traditions and contemporary expressions of student voices. These events mark not only the culmination of years of hard work and dedication but also serve as a launchpad for graduates as they embark on their future endeavors. From the Gra(n)d parade to individual school recognition, the University of Oregon commencement is a memorable experience for graduates, their families, and the entire university community.
A Ceremony Rooted in History
The first University Commencement ceremony occurred on June 14, 1878, in the top floor atrium of the former Deady Hall (now referred to as University Hall). The ceremony was attended by around six hundred people and consisted of student orations followed by an address by the president of the Board of Regents. By the second decade of the University of Oregon’s existence, commencement had grown to become one of the two most lavish annual celebrations in Lane County. A full week was dedicated to the occasion, which included speeches, banquets, services, and other events to wrap up the academic year.
For the first 19 years each class planted a tree on campus as a mark of their legacy. However, the class of 1897 decided instead to install a plaque on one of the oak trees already growing on campus. After this initial deviation from tradition, each class has been more flexible in the senior gift presented to the university.
Despite growth and adjustment, the finality that commencement brings to graduating students will never change. Laura Miller, an 1897 alumna, described it best in her 1923 essay for Old Oregon: “Commencement was over and we were free to go into those ‘paths of life’ people had been telling us about for four years. We had a sinking, finished feeling. And we didn’t particularly care about going. For commencement wasn’t really commencement. It wasn’t in 1897, it isn’t in 1923. It never will be in any grad’s heart.
The Commencement Ceremony: A Day of Celebration and Reflection
The University of Oregon honored nearly 4,800 new graduates at a commencement ceremony in Autzen Stadium. Students, families, and faculty gathered to mark this significant milestone. The stands of Autzen Stadium were packed with thousands of parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends. As the graduates filed onto the field, they searched the audience, exclaiming and waving once they spotted their loved ones.
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The commencement included a brief interruption. During a speech by UO President Karl Scholz, some of the graduates began chanting "Free Palestine." Then dozens of those students walked out, protesting the university’s ties to Israel. Rocky Stern participated in the walk-out. They told KLCC they wanted to acknowledge the universities that have been destroyed in Gaza. Stern said they're proud of the growth of Pro-Palestinian activism they've seen during their time at UO. As they graduate, they said they're excited to see what younger student activists are able to accomplish moving forward. “Organizing these protests throughout this year has given me much more applicable life experience than most classes I’ve taken at UO," said Stern.
Keynote Speakers and Words of Wisdom
At the event, speakers encouraged the graduates to take risks in their careers and praised them for making it through the pandemic era of learning. Nike executive Sarah Mensah told the graduates, "You've already learned that in life, you can do all the right things, and the outcome still might not go your way. And that the way the world works is often not in your favor," said Nike executive Sarah Mensah. "You've already learned that it's how you react to the things that happened to you that really matter."
During her keynote speech, UO alum, actress, writer, and comedian Jana Schmieding talked about her efforts to break into the media industry and make a change. Schmieding said there has been "systematic erasure" of Natives in mainstream media, but that is beginning to change. "Native people haven't really been seen as funny. We've been regarded as stuck in the past, relegated to leather and feathers, seen as the stoic prop for the white protagonist's evolution or conquest," Schmieding said. "I'm quite proud of being part of a massive and long-overdue Indigenous renaissance happening in the film and television industry right now." Schmieding then addressed graduating law students, of which UO has 144 this year. We are in dark and profound times," Schmieding said. "The choices you make as adults will fundamentally shape how we all live in this next era. It's an insane amount of pressure."If we don't laugh then we would cry."
Associated Students of UO President Mariam Hassan delivered the student representative speech during the ceremony. Hassan shared her experiences as a Muslim, hijabi, and woman of color. Before ending her speech, Hassan recognized the violence in Gaza, noting the thousands of Palestinians who were unable to graduate due to the universities in Gaza being destroyed. She wore a keffiyeh, a scarf that has become a symbol of Palestinian resistance and solidarity. "What they have been going through is something that I could never even begin to imagine," Hassan said. "I carry them with me in everything I do. I'm here because they can't be. They are the truest embodiment of resilience and strength, and every single day I strive to represent them with dignity in every single room I walk into, in every single conversation I'm a part of." Hassan's speech was met with a standing ovation from students.
The Gra(n)d Parade: A Festive Procession
One of the most anticipated traditions is the Duck Grad Parade, where graduating Ducks celebrate and walk down Thirteenth Avenue to the commencement ceremony at Matthew Knight Arena each year. Dana Sparks Monday’s University of Oregon graduation kicked off with the traditional Duck Grad Parade, where graduating Ducks celebrate and walk down Thirteenth Avenue to the commencement ceremony at Matthew Knight Arena each year. Hundreds of grads with their families gathered near Eugene’s beloved Taylor’s Bar & Grill before the Duck Grad Parade. The University of Oregon celebrates its 142nd commencement with the traditional Thirteenth Avenue Duck Grad Parade on June 18, 2018. Two graduates cheers at Taylor’s Bar & Grill, where hundreds gathered nearby before the Duck Grad Parade. The University of Oregon celebrates its 142nd commencement with the traditional Thirteenth Avenue Duck Grad Parade on June 18, 2018. Graduates and their families walk into Matthew Knight Arena for the commencement ceremony. A total of 5,159 students graduated with degrees this year.
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School and College Ceremonies: Individual Recognition
Following the University Commencement Ceremony, individual schools and colleges host their own ceremonies to recognize their graduates. The schedule of ceremonies for schools and colleges to individually recognize their graduates, as well as celebrations for student programs. School and college ceremonies will take place on Monday, June 15, following the University Commencement Ceremony.
Affinity Celebrations: Honoring Diversity
The University of Oregon also holds celebrations for student programs, such as the Lavender Graduation Celebration and the Black Graduation Celebration.
Advice from Graduates: Wisdom for Future Ducks
The Register-Guard asked the Class of 2025 what they wished they knew as freshmen entering UO for the first time. Ayla Rivera, who earned her bachelor's degree in advertising and is originally from Veneta, urged new students to put themselves out there and get involved. "Find clubs on campus, even if it doesn't work out, go try it at least once," Rivera said. "It's a great way to meet people." Global studies and spatial data science and technology double major Jamie Ishimaru said all students should take advantage of the many opportunities and resources provided by UO. "Don't just study in your room, go to the library and find a space that you can really focus in," Ishimaru said. Cameron Theus, who earned a bachelor's in advertising, said he really enjoyed the sporting events at UO and had many memories from going to games and cheering on the Ducks with his friends. "Be open to everything," Theus said. "Don't have too many expectations, because sometimes when you have expectations, you may get let down or it may not go that exact way, but that doesn't mean it's not a good thing or it isn't going to go right. Definitely just be open-minded."
Staying Connected: The Alumni Association
Graduation isn't the end of your journey as a Duck. It's only the beginning. The UO Alumni Association (UOAA) put together some tips to make sure you get the most out of your alumni network and stay connected to the UO.
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