UNL awarded a single-semester record 2,972 degrees to spring 2015 graduates.
Chancellor Harvey Perlman announced the record total at the start of the baccalaureate commencement ceremony, held May 9 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Graduates at the ceremony represented 43 states and 44 foreign countries.
Perlman also said, including the spring 2015 degree totals, UNL has awarded 272,211 degrees since its founding in 1869.
A full list of spring 2015 graduates is available by clicking here.
Opera singer and UNL alumna Barbara Hendricks delivered the undergraduate commencement address. In her address, “Homecoming and Thanksgiving,” Hendricks challenged the graduates to rise and meet the world’s challenges.
“You are not expected to heal the world, but neither are you allowed to abstain from helping when you can,” Hendricks said. “Only your dreams will set your boundaries. I challenge you to be daring. Know yourself and be true to your inner voice.
“Above all else, see the truth and seek it from your heart. Have faith and never lose sight of the power of love.”
Born in Arkansas, Hendricks received a Bachelor of Science degree from UNL at 20. She later studied at the Juilliard School of Music in New York. In 1974, she made her operatic debut at the San Francisco Opera and the Glyndebourne Festival as well as her recital debut in New York City’s Town Hall. Hendricks has sung at the Paris Opera, the MET in New York, Covent Garden in London and La Scala in Milano. She is one of the most active recitalists of her generation. In addition to her vast repertoire of German Lieder (art songs), she is a leading interpreter and promoter of French, American and Scandinavian music. Hendricks made her jazz debut at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1994 and has since performed regularly in jazz festivals throughout the world. She starred as Mimi in the 1988 film “La Boheme” and played The Angel in Peter Eotvos’ opera “Angels in America” in 2004 in Paris.
Patricia Crews, Willa Cather Professor of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design and founding director of the International Quilt Study Center and Museum, delivered the graduate and professional commencement address on May 8.
Environmental advocate Robert Kennedy Jr. addressed the law graduates on May 9.
Immediately following the undergraduate commencement, the Nebraska Alumni Association hosted a post-graduation party in the Railyard, across the street south of Pinnacle Bank Arena. The “Congraduation Celebration” featured live music, a family photo booth, prize drawings, food and drink specials for graduates and families, an official alumni toast and a hat toss.
About 550 graduate degree and professional degree recipients were honored at a ceremony at the arena on May 8. The College of Law awarded degrees to more than 100 students at a May 9 ceremony at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th St.
UNL’s previous record for single-semester degrees awarded of 2,851 was set in May 2014.
