University’s newest graduates recognized at Fall Commencement

Monday, December 16, 2019

Commencement is an exciting time for graduates and their families, whether attending one of the ceremonies in person or watching from points around the world via live stream.

Nearly 3,600 graduates received degrees during UNC Charlotte's three Commencement exercises Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14, in Halton Arena as family and friends watched; bachelor's degrees were awarded to 2,568 students, with 730 receiving master's degrees and 99 awarded doctorates. In addition, 199 students received graduate certificates.

Globally, thousands tuned into the festivities. There were nearly 27,000 total Facebook views of the ceremonies and more than 15,000 views from the University's live stream page. India was the top location for viewers outside the United States, and more than 80 percent of viewers worldwide watched on a mobile device.

Prior to Commencement, the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association held special events Thursday, Dec. 12.

 Legacy Draping Ceremony

Thirty-five students participated in a Legacy Draping Ceremony in the Popp Martin Student Union; legacy students are those with at least one parent, stepparent, grandparent or sibling who is an alumnus/alumna of UNC Charlotte. Each student wore a legacy stole at Commencement.

The Donning of the Kente Ceremony, sponsored by the Black Alumni Chapter, celebrated graduating students by recognizing their African roots; 130 students participated and received handmade Kente clothes that represented their African heritage and achievements.

Senior Cavasier Morris, a Forbes under 30 Scholar, was the student speaker, and Latesha Byrd ’12, founder and CEO of Byrd Career Counseling, was the alumni speaker at the event, held in the Cone University Center.

Cavasier Morris

The Ring Ceremony is another Niner Commencement tradition; 110 students were presented their class rings at the Popp Martin Student Union. Afterward, they were encouraged to dip their rings into the sluice pan of the “49er Miner” to strengthen their ties to UNC Charlotte and its founding as a pioneering institution of opportunity.

Ring Ceremony