Over the course of three sun-splashed days, May 16-18, the University celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2024 by conferring more than 3,000 degrees during its 2024 Spring Commencement Ceremonies.
President Brian Sandoval told the Class of 2024 that as they sat on the Quad preparing in a few moments to walk across the stage to receive their degrees, they were about to become an important part of the University’s story.
“Our campus is a place of wondrous echoes,” said Sandoval, himself a 1986 graduate of the University. “You can look across the Quad this morning and see yesterday, and see today, and see tomorrow.
“You realize this intersection of historical moments informs what tomorrow can be. … You are all part of a long silver thread that has beautifully connected every person who has ever graduated from our University.”
Sandoval noted that in its 150-year history, the University had grown from three graduates in 1891 to what transpired during commencement weekend in 2024. The University conferred 3,027 degrees, including 2,340 bachelor’s degrees and 687 advanced degrees (master’s and doctoral degrees).
The five ceremonies over three days were all shared with the world via livestream. This year’s oldest graduate was 68 years old and the youngest was 19. One hundred and forty-two students earned two or more degrees, and 113 students graduated from the Honors College.
Sandoval stressed the value of service, of giving back to one’s community, and finding ways to include all types of people and experiences into the lives of the Class of 2024.
“We are at our best when we invite more people in to share the joy of the work that we’re doing,” he said. “A small, random act of kindness can brighten a person’s day, unleashing ripples of goodness that can change a person’s life. A lifetime of service becomes the bedrock of a community … a community where everyone works together, and comes together, for the greater good.
“This is what we call The Wolf Pack Way. And this is what all of you are all about. This is what you’ve shown us during your time with us.”
The ceremonies also featured the University’s presentation of its most prestigious student academic honor, the Herz Gold Medal, to two students. The honor was bestowed upon Anna Urias, who graduated with a double major in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics and Raphael Cohen, who graduated with a degree in Microbiology and Immunology with a minor in Spanish.
The Herz Gold Medals are awarded to graduating seniors with the highest University grade-point average with the most letter-graded credits (beyond 120) that have been earned at the University.
Four Distinguished Nevadans were also honored: Business leader Margaret Cavin, longtime Western Nevada College faculty member Doris Dwyer, late Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents member Jason Geddes, and University Studies Abroad Consortium founder Carmelo Urza. Jason Geddes’ son, Joseph, was part of the platform party and received the Distinguished Nevadan award on behalf of his father.
The Distinguished Nevadan represents the most prestigious award conferred by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents. It is bestowed upon prominent individuals who have made significant achievements that have contributed to the cultural, economic, scientific or social advancement of Nevada and its people; or for exceptional service to the state or nation that has influenced constructively the well-being of humankind.
