The University of Nevada, Reno celebrated its Winter Commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 6, at Lawlor Events Center. During the event, the University conferred 1,475 degrees and certificates: 1,094 bachelor's degrees and 381 advanced degrees (master's and doctoral degrees).

"If there is a message for you to carry away this morning, it's this: you never know what's around the corner," University President Marc Johnson said.  

Throughout his talk he referenced the rapid pace of change the state, the community and the University has seen relating it back to the graduates last four years at the University.  

"Four years ago we had no idea drones and electric cars would be in our future. Four years from now, who knows?" President Johnson said. "I do know one thing for certain. Four years from now, you will be the ones who will be pushing the boundaries of what was once thought impossible".  

Each semester, the University and the Alumni Association honor an undergraduate student from each school or college who meets the exceptional Senior Scholar program standards for scholastic achievement. Six students were honored for their academic excellence: Alyssa Addington, College of Education; Quinton Bunk, College of Liberal Arts; Kelsey DeRose, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources; Matt Folsom, College of Science; Jordan Forman, School of Community Health Sciences; Cayla Harvey, College of Business.  

Forty Nevada Wolf Pack student-athletes graduated during the ceremonies as well.

"We're proud of our student-athletes for all they achieve and accomplish while competing for the Wolf Pack," athletics director Doug Knuth, said. "But our pride is greatest when we watch them walk across the stage at commencement and shake the president's hand while receiving their diplomas. Earning a degree from the University is the ultimate goal and we're thrilled for these 40 graduates from our athletics program."

Including this winter's graduates, Nevada has seen 652 of its student-athletes graduate in the past nine years. The Wolf Pack's Graduation Success Rate is at its high water mark of 80 percent and has improved in nine of the last 10 years.

At the event, two posthumous degrees were also awarded. Robert Barson, a psychology student in the College of Liberal Arts, and Elisa Storke, a University instructor and doctoral student in the College of Education, were honored.  

"Graduates of our University carry with them the unmistakable knowledge that the mistakes of the past don't have to be repeated; that compassion and humanity and understanding will be carried forward into tomorrow and will define your everyday lives, no matter your profession," President Johnson said. "Now, you are all prepared to meet the next big challenge. Especially in a world where when opportunity knocks, you'd better be ready to answer."