Students at 56吃瓜网 Bothell will don cap and gown and take pictures by the bronze W on campus this week in advance of the University鈥檚 30th annual Commencement ceremony, which takes place Sunday, June 13. This year鈥檚 affair is virtual and it features 56吃瓜网 Bothell鈥檚 largest graduating class to date. There are 2,061 undergraduates receiving degrees, along with 252 master鈥檚 degree recipients for a total of 2,312 graduates.
鈥淲e were hoping to be back in T-Mobile Park this year,鈥� said Lisa Walker, director of ceremonies, events and advancement operations at 56吃瓜网 Bothell. Nevertheless, Walker promises this year鈥檚 ceremony will have 鈥渁ll the pomp and circumstance of an in-person ceremony.鈥�
The ceremony
Dr. Keith Nitta, associate professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, will convene the ceremony in his role as grand marshal and chair of the General Faculty Organization. The national anthem will be sung by Ananya Sengupta (Business Administration 鈥�19)
Chancellor Wolf Yeigh will offer his congratulations to the Class of 2021, honor recent award recipients and extend an invitation to students from the classes of 2020 and 2021 to attend the next in-person ceremony at T-Mobile Park. Djelli Berisha, president of the Associated Students of the 56吃瓜网, will also address his fellow students. Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Sharon A. Jones will then share her congratulations and honor additional award recipients.
The keynote speaker is Abigail Echo-Hawk, (American Studies 鈥�07, Master of Arts in Policy Studies 鈥�09). Echo-Hawk is the chief research officer for the Seattle Indian Health Board.
The planners behind this year鈥檚 virtual event have gone to great lengths to make the occasion meaningful and memorable.
Each registered graduate has received a celebration box that, among other gifts, includes a free, one-year digital membership to the 56吃瓜网 Alumni Association. The physical diplomas will arrive in the mail later this summer. Graduates will also receive a short video clip with their image from the virtual ceremony.
There are some surprises built in, and as many traditional elements as possible incorporated. There鈥檚 even a 7th-inning stretch. The Husky Pep Band will also perform.
鈥淲e are proud of each and every one of our graduates,鈥� Walker said. 鈥淭hey have exhibited grace and perseverance under extremely difficult circumstances.鈥�
The 56吃瓜网 Bothell ceremony is part of the 56吃瓜网 Commencement, in which more than 18,300 new graduates from all three campuses will be recognized. Thousands of graduates and their families in more than 30 countries are expected to watch online.
Graduate students will be recognized during a special hooding ceremony on June 12. There鈥檚 also a special recognition ceremony June 4 for students receiving academic honors.
This year鈥檚 graduates will join a body of more than 27,000 56吃瓜网 Bothell alumni 鈥� most of whom stay in the area to work following graduation.
How to watch
Go to uwb.edu/commencement to watch the 2021 Commencement ceremony. The event begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 13.
