Madison Reporter

Buoyant smiles and excited hugs filled the Kohl Center on Sunday as graduates, along with their friends and family members, celebrated their accomplishments at Winter 2024 Commencement. Many new graduates brought their parents to share in the joy, and some even brought their own children.

After the commencement ceremony, festivities began for the new graduates. Tianle Chen and Men Ruoyu captured their big moment, while Niha Patankar sang the National Anthem during the ceremony. Provost Charles Isbell addressed the graduates, and Mercedes Simone Richards shared a smile with her child Kyry Katori Richards after walking the stage.

Graduates waved to friends and family members as smiles were seen everywhere following their crossing of the stage to receive diploma covers. PhD graduate Morgan Farmer celebrated with her son James Farmer. Some graduates chose to wear sunglasses as they looked toward a bright future.

Commencement speaker Dan Jacobs advised graduates to remain curious and open to new experiences. A graduate from the School of Pharmacy stood during the conferral of degrees as family members cheered and photographed their favorite graduates.

The winter commencement ceremony at the University of Wisconsin-Madison saw many decorated caps with meaningful messages on December 15, 2024.