LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — University of Nevada, Las Vegas students walked across the Thomas and Mack Center stage Saturday for their spring commencement ceremony.
University staff said more than 3,700 Rebels graduated this semester, an increase of 7% on the occasion.
Alumni come from 44 states and 50 countries.
But most are local residents, including 23-year-old Christian Shelton, one of six students recognized as outstanding graduates.
He sang the national anthem and told 8 News Now, “That was everything I wanted.”
Shelton earned a bachelor's degree in music with an emphasis in vocal performance. After completing her opera program in Germany, she plans to return to UNLV to pursue her master's degree.
Shelton reflected on the resiliency he and his classmates have shown during their education during the pandemic and on-campus shootings.
“The past four years have been a very dangerous time, but as alumni we've seen a spectrum of everything, but we've stayed close and positive throughout,” Shelton said. .
During the ceremony, the crowd rose to its feet in an outpouring of love and applause in memory of Emily France Barker, who died in a car accident in Utah in February.
She earned a double degree in dance and production.
“She was one of the greatest dancers on stage and I am so proud of her and all she accomplished,” said her husband, Chris Barker.
He and Emily's mother, Christine France, took to the stage in Emily's honor to hold up a photo of Emily and receive her diploma.
“She found a family in the dance department at UNLV, and they were such great people,” France said.
Nursing graduate Amanda Hill said she is hopeful for the future and is looking for a job at a local hospital, preferably with children or in the emergency room.
“From an early age, I wanted to honor my family and the people who supported me by helping others. The nursing instructors, the clinicians, they were all really amazing,” she said. Ta.
Since 1964, UNLV has awarded 176,442 degrees.