The University of Oregon's newest graduates were told Saturday that they've reached the destination of a journey they embarked upon some four years ago – a trip that has often been difficult, but will position them well for larger adventures ahead.

"German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said that what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger," said Scott Coltrane, the UO's interim senior vice president and provost, and keynote speaker at the summer commencement ceremony.

"Well, we're here today to honor your new strengths," Coltrane said. "This is the day you receive credit for something you have spent years working toward. This is when we commend your readiness and qualification to move forward and succeed in your chosen endeavors."

A total of 1,180 degree candidates were eligible to participate Saturday in the UO's 2013 summer commencement on the Memorial Quadrangle. Friends and family members filled out the chairs set up on the expanse of lawn between Knight Library and the Lillis Business Complex. UO President Michael Gottfredson presided over the ceremony.

The summer term graduates received a total of 1,240 degrees and certificates. The university awarded 937 bachelor's degrees, 209 master's degrees, 35 doctoral degrees, 42 graduate certificates, 13 undergraduate certificates and four law degrees.

"The tremendous pace of change in our world means that no one can predict exactly what the jobs of tomorrow will look like, but at UO you have gained skills that will enable you to adjust successfully to a future that none of us can foresee," Coltrane told the new graduates.

"In your classes and through your interaction with faculty and other students, you have learned to question critically, think logically, communicate clearly, act creatively and live ethically," he said. "These skills will prepare you for jobs that we cannot yet imagine. Not incidentally, these are the exact skills that employers repeatedly say that they are looking for."

- from the UO Office of Strategic Communications