Colorado Springs UCCS graduated nearly 1,000 students Friday, with close to 500 in attendance for the fall 2024 commencement ceremonies at The Broadmoor World Arena.

Commencement Marshal Jennifer Kling, UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet, President of the University of Colorado system Todd Saliman and 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Speaker, retired Navy Cmdr. John B. Herrington, addressed graduates during the day’s ceremonies.

Graduates on Friday earned 22 doctoral degrees, 107 master’s degrees, 71 associate degrees and 687 bachelor’s degrees. The ceremony included the recognition of 15 Silver Graduates, members of the Class of 1999 who celebrated 25 years since their own graduation.

“Commencement is a joyful time, but it is also a time for us to reflect — on the work we have already accomplished, and the work that is yet to be done,” Sobanet said in her address. “The challenges of the world are ever-present. In response, we must commit to being outstanding citizens who stand up for what is right and good.

In his address, Saliman encouraged graduates to take on the challenges that come their way.

“You’ve learned a lot during your time at CU, including that every path has obstacles,” Saliman said. “Sometimes you’ll overcome them and sometimes you won’t.”

“If you’re like me, you’ll be bummed when things don’t go as you’d hoped or planned, for a little while, at least. But in these moments, I’ve learned to pause, take a breath and reflect. I’ve learned, and you will, too, if you haven’t already, that sometimes not achieving your goal is actually an amazing opportunity.”

Alongside the graduates Friday, students who received their associate of general studies degree after the Board of Regents approved the retroactive degree in April 2023 were also celebrated.

To close out each of the ceremonies, Regent Frank McNulty delivered the Norlin Charge to graduates, a tradition dating back to CU Boulder President George Norlin’s delivery of the June 1935 commencement ceremony.

“Commencement does not mean, as many wrongly think, the breaking of ties and the beginning of life apart,” reads the charge. “Rather, it marks your initiation in the fullest sense into the fellowship of the university, as bearers of her torch, as centers of her influence, as promoters of her spirit.”

“The university consists of all who come into and go forth from her halls, who are touched by her influence and who carry on her spirit. Wherever you go, the university goes with you. Wherever you are at work, there is the university at work.”