Tucson Standard

The University of Arizona is set to award approximately 8,000 degrees during its 160th Commencement ceremony on May 10. The event will take place at Arizona Stadium, beginning at 7:30 p.m., and will be available for live streaming on YouTube. Annually, the university's Commencement celebration attracts around 30,000 guests.

Heather Lukach, assistant vice president for presidential events and university ceremonies, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event: "We are so excited to celebrate the unstoppable class of 2024." She noted that this year includes a special tradition where graduates decorate their caps, with winning designs featured during the event.

Gates for the ceremony will open at different times, with Gate 7 opening at 5:30 p.m. for early access to shaded seating. Other gates will open at 6:30 p.m., and guest seating is first-come, first-served without ticket requirements. The university will enforce game-day rules at all entrances.

Craig T. Nelson, an Emmy Award-winning actor and University of Arizona alumnus, will deliver the Commencement address. Nelson has had a distinguished career in film and television and maintains strong ties with the university's School of Theatre, Film and Television.

University President Robert C. Robbins highlighted Nelson's career as inspirational for graduates: "Craig T. Nelson's career embodies the determination and exploration that we hope to inspire in all our graduates."

Nelson will receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the College of Fine Arts. Other honorary degree recipients include Ricardo Jasso (Doctor of Humane Letters), Steve Kerr (Doctor of Humanities), Humberto S. Lopez (Doctor of Humane Letters), Bruce Taylor (Doctor of Science), and Ann Zwicker-Kerr (Doctor of Humane Letters).

The Alumni Achievement Awards will honor Scott Cohen and Blake Johnson for their entrepreneurial accomplishments. Both are graduates of the Eller College of Management.

Additionally, seven graduating students will receive awards recognizing their academic achievements across various disciplines.

More information about these honors can be found in a related article by University Communications.