Commencement 2018

Congratulations, Graduates!

The unique journeys of more than 5,000 graduates were celebrated at the University of Oregon’s 142nd commencement ceremony. While being recognized for achieving their hard-earned degrees, our newest Duck alumni were also reminded that learning is a lifelong process.

Graduates take a photo with the Duck before the 2018 grad parade

Families are all smiles taking photos with their graduates

Families cheer along the sidewalk as their students get ready to graduate in Matt Knight Arena

Students hug each other as they celebrate graduating and the time they spent together

A family takes photos by the big O in front of Lillis

Ducks throw their O in front of Johnson Hall before the Grad Parade

Students take a moment to get a selfie before parading down 13th avenue toward Matt Knight Arena

Students are always excited to pose with the Duck, especially on graduation day

4,031

Bachelor's degrees

886

Master's Degrees

125

Doctoral degrees

117

Law degrees

Duck Grad Parade

Commencement Day began with the traditional Duck Grad Parade as the class of 2018 made its way from Erb Memorial Union to the main ceremony at Matthew Knight Arena, cheered on by families, friends, and the UO community.

The graduating class parades down 13th avenue to graduate in Matthew Knight Arena

Parents and families cheer for their students along the sidelines of the parade

The Duck proudly leads the graduates to the commencement ceremony

Students cheer for the camera before walking into the stadium for graduation

Students make their way down 13th avenue for the Commencement ceremony

Graduates gather on the floor of Matt Knight Arena before the ceremony

Student cheers in the crowd of graduates

Student throws the O in Matt Knight Arena

Student waves to the crowd looking for family members

Graduates and families fill the seats of Matt Knight Arena

Students cheer for the commencement speakers

325

Double Majors

Triple Majors

Oldest Graduate

Youngest Graduate

Words of Encouragement

Pursue excellence. Chart your own path. Support others. Risk failure, so you can find success. Fellow students, administrators, and guests of honor shared advice and reflections as part of the University Commencement Ceremony.

Watch the Ceremony

President Schill introduced commencement speakers, gave Carrie Wiems and Lorry Lokey honorary degrees for their contributions to society, and congratulated the newly graduated students

“If you don’t open yourself up to other points of view you’ll never know what you don’t know.”

—President Michael H. Schill

ASUO student president Amy Schenk took a moment to congratulate students on their separate journeys to getting to graduation

“We are a community here at the UO not because of what we happen to share, but because of what we choose to be—curious, indomitable, active learners.”

—Amy Schenk, BA '18 (International Studies)
President, Associated Students of the University of Oregon (2017-18)

Graduate student Aja Johnson speaks of her life-changing journey in graduate school at the University of Oregon

“No matter how far you fly from the nest, always remember that Duck Nation will be there to support, nurture, and guide you through the challenges that life will bring.”

—Aja Johnson, MS '18 (Couples and Family Therapy)

Undergraduate student Jaria Martin inspires students to pave a way for future Ducks

“We must continue to pave a way by leaving a webbed foot trail behind us for other students to follow, as they create their own journey as a Duck.”

—Jaria Martin, BA '18 (Family and Human Services)

Commencement speaker and co-founder of WeWork Miguel McKelvey speaks of his experience growing up in Eugene and how he became who he is today, still figuring out who he is as a continual work in progress.

“The easy path is always going to be easy. The hard path is where you expand yourself and become a greater version of yourself.”

—Miguel McKelvey, BArch '99
WeWork cofounder and chief culture officer

Countries Represented

US States Represented

US Territories Represented

483

journalism Graduates
most popular major

Mortarboard Messages

Can one of life’s biggest accomplishments be summed up on a 10-by-10-inch palette? Many in the class of 2018 did just that, by decorating their graduation caps with notes of appreciation and personal statements celebrating their accomplishments.