It was the party of the year!
Live Stream
If you can't make it to campus to celebrate, here's access to watch wherever you are!
Ceremony Details
This event is the hottest ticket in town. Find out the who's who and what's what of the big day.
“Stay connected to your mentors, never stop learning and always seek advice from those whom you respect the most. I learned this from three people who were instrumental in the early part of my career."
Distinguished Alumnus
Gary Berg
President's Award
Dr. Kevin Kjos
Outstanding Recent Alumnus
Tuan Nguyen
Ceremony Information
Thanks for joining us!
Where to watch
If you have tickets, join us in Zorn Arena. Make sure to get there early to get the best view of your grad walking across the stage. Doors open for the morning ceremony at 7:45am and at 12:45pm for the afternoon ceremony. Make sure to be settled in with 10 minutes before the ceremony to watch a special message from the graduates!
Blugold Pro Tip: The top row of the bleachers offers a *great* backrest.
If you don't have tickets, but still want to join in on the party (no, there aren't any extras) relax in some comfortable seats in the remote viewing areas located in Davies Center. See your grad on the big screens in the Woodland Theatre and Ojibwe Ballroom.
Blugold Pro Tip: These areas are kid-friendly and air conditioned!
Coming to campus?
Parking
Need to park close to the action? Arrive early and park in the Hibbard or Phillips lots. If you want to walk in your student's shoes, take a stroll across the bridge and park in the Water Street or Haas lots.
Blugold Pro Tip: Be the hero of your party by dropping your group off in front of Zorn in the loading zone at least 15 minutes before the ceremony.
The after party
Want to commemorate your big day by taking a selfie with Chancellor Jim? Join him and other guests for cookies and punch at the reception immediately following the ceremony on the first floor of Davies Center.
Capture your smiles
You look really good and your backdrop should too.
SAY CHEESE at the most photogenic locations around campus.
Davies Center
Putnam Rock
The Bridge
Hilltop Center
Centennial Hall
"Find something you truly love and are passionate about and then do the necessary work to be really good at it. Today, I am a successful business owner, and I was an English liberal arts major. Many important skills are transferable to many different careers."
"Be ready for everything because life seldom follows a predictable path. Follow what you most love and life will be an adventure.”
“It’s a little cliché to say this, but don’t be afraid of failure: embrace it. Fail early, fail often; that’s how I’ve learned to improve myself. During my last semester as a senior at UWEC, I must have attended at least 50 interviews on and off campus and applied to at least 300 positions.
Distinguished Alumnus
Shaun P. Merriman
Lifetime Excellence
Dennis Loney
Lifetime Excellence
John Skoug
Lifetime Excellence
Tom + Jeannie Flesch
“What I have learned is that my dreams and destinations were not as important as my journey. That my achievements or my profession were not as important as the people in my life."
“Look for your passion. Look for a career that you really have a strong interest in or that truly moves you. Maintain a positive attitude. It is extremely important in your growth and can be contagious."
"Pursing multiple passions is a great way to describe being a Blugold. Hopefully you will find someone you want to spend the rest of your life with, a job you enjoy, and recreational activities you enjoy together as a couple and as a family. We’ve enjoyed skiing, traveling, golfing, boating, cooking and entertaining — all as a family.”
Charge to the Class
Advice from a Blugold alum who has been there.
The Big Moment
This is what you all have been waiting for. Cross your fingers they don't trip as they walk across the stage.
Blugold Reflections
This was one crazy journey, but we did it together.
Everyone Sings!
"We pledge to be faithful, stout-hearted and strong! And cherish thy memories as our lives are long."
The graduates have worked hard to get to this day.
Make sure they know how proud you are!
Cheer loudly for all to hear with help from this megaphone.
Need a refresher on the campus layout?
Alumni Advice
What are they wearing?
The head covering developed from the skullcap worn to protect tonsured heads in cold weather. In the universities, the skullcap acquired a point on top, which gradually evolved into a tassel. In Europe the bonnet with tassel is still worn but has been replaced in America by the mortarboard cap or tam with tassel.
In the Middle Ages, those with bachelor’s and master’s degrees could be distinguished by the simplicity or elaborateness of their gowns. The master’s gowns were often furred, a decoration surviving as the three velvet bars now used on the sleeves of the doctoral gown.
First worn by faculty and students, the hood is now added to the apparel of those with master’s, specialist in education and doctoral degrees. The color of the velvet trim on the hood indicates the scholarly field: for example, dark blue (philosophy), golden yellow (science), light blue (education), pink (music), apricot (nursing), drab (business), white (arts).
If you missed *the party* of the year, or just want to relive the experience, we've highlighted our favorite moments.