Photo caption: Anna Shamble, Kelly Pembleton and Justine Carpenter directed graduates as the processional line entered the Autzen Stadium field. 

Sporting yellow shirts, comfortable shoes and sunscreen, University of Oregon employees from across the university rallied together to organize, staff and support commencement activities as the academic year came to a close. 

“Thank you to all who showed up and showed out by holding their posts and stepping in to manage the unexpected. We could not successfully deliver on this important event without the dedication of university employees who generously volunteer their time,” said Angela Lauer Chong, vice president for the Division of Student Life. 

“A special moment of gratitude for the members of the student life team who masterfully orchestrated the numerous events, managing every detail with professionalism and grace, stepping into key roles above and beyond their everyday jobs,” added Chong. “In particular, please join me in an extra thank you to Sarah Rivas, Kathie Stanley, Amanda Rosenburg, Roxanne O’Neill and Melanie Frederick for their dedication and tireless leadership.” 

Throughout the day on Sunday, June 16, and Monday, June 17, you could spot commencement volunteers driving golf carts, setting and resetting chairs before and between ceremonies, directing graduates and families to their destinations, collecting lost items, radioing updates and requests to manage the expected and unexpected and so much more. These photos give you a glimpse behind the scenes of this year’s commencement activities: 

Videographers, photographers and sound technicians were on site to support the presentation and capture the memories.

Marlene Blum monitors event production while Dusty Whitaker captures video of the graduates getting in one last “Shout.”

Countless volunteers descend on the field to clean up and turn the setup following the university-wide ceremony to prepare the space for the next event.

Amanda Rosenberg, Dee Dee Kanikkeberg, Sandy Weintraub and Molly Kennedy join Kathie Stanley in her final commencement before retirement. 

Jett Nilprabhassorn picks up streamers and other discarded items following the university-wide ceremony. 

Andy Smith, Paul Timmons, Kelly Pembleton and Sandy Weintraub stay hydrated while making sure a water and rally towel are placed on every chair for graduates.

Paula Braswell, Miriam Alexis Castellon Jordan and Dean Carol Stabile congratulate Clark Honors College graduates as they hand out certificates of completion. 

Bradley Branam and Tricia Rodley assist photographers with gathering graduates of Theatre Arts for a class photo.

Finn Koval added artistic flair, designing a sign directing graduates and their families to a post-ceremony reception.