UNL awarded nearly 1,500 graduate and undergraduate degrees Dec. 19 and 20 during commencement exercises at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
A full list of graduates is available by clicking here.
Pete Ricketts, governor-elect of Nebraska, delivered the address at the bachelor’s degree ceremony on Dec. 20. Ricketts, who takes office Jan. 8, spoke for about 10 minutes, discussing the history of Nebraska and the opportunities available to college graduates.
“You have tremendous opportunities,” Ricketts said. “You have earned a fantastic education at the University of Nebraska.”
He encouraged graduates to think beyond earning a big pay check and focus on giving back to their communities — wherever they may be.
“I want to challenge you to be involved,” Ricketts said. “We need people like you in local communities providing love and support.”
In a new commencement feature, UNL saluted graduating military veterans and students receiving ROTC commissions. Those graduates who qualified wore a special red, white and blue honor cord as part of commencement regalia. The cords are offered free, with funding provided by the University of Nebraska Alumni Association’s ROTC and military affiliate. The cords will be offered at future UNL commencement activities. For more information, go to http://go.unl.edu/0i40.
In other ceremonies, Daniel G. Linzell, Voelte-Keegan Professor and Chair of the UNL Department of Civil Engineering, delivered the address at the graduate and professional degrees ceremonies; and John M. Gerrard, judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska, addressed law graduates. Both ceremonies were Dec. 19.
In addition, three cadets in the UNL Reserve Officer Training Corps received military commissions in ceremonies in the auditorium of the Nebraska Union.
Allison K. Daharsh of Lincoln and Aaron K.Voeller of Papillion were commissioned second lieutenants in the Air Force. James G. Brown of Lincoln was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps.
