December 15, 2023

Nebraska to grant 1,172 degrees in December ceremonies

Lauren Williams, in graduation attire, is highlighted by an N spotlight.
Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing

Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing
Lauren Williams of Omaha shows her newly earned Master of Science in nutrition and health sciences as the “N” spotlight highlights her during the recessional of the graduate and professional degree ceremony Dec. 15 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is conferring 1,172 degrees during commencement exercises Dec. 15 and 16 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Full list of graduates | Program | Livestream

The 1,159 graduates are from 48 countries; 39 U.S. states and the District of Columbia; and more than 150 Nebraska communities.

The arena, 400 Pinnacle Arena Drive, hosted a ceremony for students earning graduate and professional degrees Dec. 15 and will host one for those earning bachelor’s degrees at 9 a.m. Dec. 16. Doors open to the public at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 16.

Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett is presiding over the ceremonies.

To maintain a secure environment, the arena enforces a clear-bag policy that limits the size and type of bag that may be brought into the venue. Details are available here. To avoid inconveniences, guests and graduates are encouraged to arrive early and travel light.

No tickets are required for the ceremonies, and there is no limit to the number of guests per graduate. The public may sit in any non-reserved seats other than on the main floor, which is set for graduates, faculty and dignitaries. Accessible seating is available on the concourse level in Sections 106, 107, 110, 112, 114, 117 and 118. Beverage stands will be open. Open captioning for people with hearing impairment will be provided through the ribbon screens at the corners of the arena concourse level. Guest services and first aid will be on Level 3 at Gate 112.

Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett hands a diploma to Marlenia Thornton on stage at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing
Marlenia Thornton of Lincoln receives her Master of Business Administration diploma from Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett during the graduate and professional degree ceremony Dec. 15 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Paid parking, including accessible spaces, is available in Haymarket area garages and on the street. For more information, click here.

A drop-off area for mobility-restricted guests will be available on the south side of the U.S. Post Office building, 700 R St., directly east of Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Graduating students are to check in no later than 8:20 a.m. for the undergraduate ceremony. Graduates should enter the south lobby, off R Street. A graduate-only entrance sign will be posted. Participants should bring their NCard, or a photo ID and NU ID number, for check-in. Graduates will be given a name/number card to find their place in the processional lineup. They should bring this card to the stage to receive their diploma. Limited coat room space will be available, so graduates are encouraged to leave personal items with family or friends.

The undergraduate ceremony is expected to last two-and-a-half hours. Graduates and their guests are asked to stay for the entire ceremony.

The ceremony will be streamed here and broadcast live on Spectrum channel 1303, Allo channel 23 and Kinetic channel 1080.

For more information on December commencement, click here or email commencement@unl.edu.


News Release Contact(s)

News Coordinator, University Communication and Marketing

High Resolution Photos

A graduate wears a mortarboard with a large Husker N on top during August commencement at Pinnacle Bank Arena.