University of Nevada, Reno to celebrate August and December 2023 graduates with Commencement ceremonies

Two ceremonies will be held Saturday, Dec. 9, in Lawlor Events Center

University of Nevada, Reno to celebrate August and December 2023 graduates with Commencement ceremonies

Two ceremonies will be held Saturday, Dec. 9, in Lawlor Events Center

RENO, Nev. ­— The University of Nevada, Reno will hold Winter Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 9, in the Lawlor Events Center to celebrate August and December 2023 graduates.

The University’s two Commencement ceremonies will be held at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will confer 1,855 degrees and certificates, including 1,250 bachelor’s degrees and 605 advanced degrees (master’s and doctoral degrees).

  • Two ceremonies: Tickets are not required for guests to attend. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and doors will open an hour before the start of each ceremony. Processional times are as follows:
    • 9 a.m. ceremony: The morning ceremony will include graduates from the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources; College of Engineering; School of Medicine; Orvis School of Nursing; School of Public Health; College of Science; and School of Social Work.
    • 2 p.m. ceremony: The afternoon ceremony will include graduates from the College of Business; College of Education & Human Development; Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism; and College of Liberal Arts.
  • Weather: Event organizers will alert graduates should the start times be delayed due to inclement weather. Updates will be available on the University website.
  • Security: Guests are asked not to bring any items into the event that cannot be searched. Wrapped gifts are one example of this. Glass and reusable bottles and coffee mugs, such as Hydro Flasks, will not be allowed inside the venue. Only disposable, sealed plastic water bottles are allowed. Balloons will also not be allowed into the venue. A list of all prohibited items can be found on the Lawlor Events Center webpage. Concession stands will be open.
  • Media check-in location: Media MUST check in to receive the appropriate credentials for accessing the event. The media check-in table will be located on the upper concourse by section 18. Media will be asked to clearly display University media credentials throughout the ceremony. They may also be asked to show credentials or a letter of assignment provided by their media outlet to receive University media credentials. Professional attire is requested. Media planning to attend can call Jessica Lozada at 775-217-8521 or Scott Walquist at 775-287-6788 if additional assistance is required.
  • Parking for media: Media parking is available in clearly marked areas on the first floor of the West Stadium Parking Complex, north of Lawlor Events Center. Public parking is available in the West Stadium Parking Complex, directly north of Lawlor Events Center, as well as the Brian J. Whalen Parking Complex.
  • Livestream: For those not able to attend the ceremony, a livestream of the event will be available once the ceremony begins on the University's livestreaming website.
  • Commencement facts:
    • Most popular majors/programs (101 different majors/programs will be represented):
      • Graduate: Social Work, Business Administration and Public Health
      • Undergraduate: Nursing, Psychology, Biology and Community Health Sciences
        • The University's largest-ever class of Bachelor of Nursing students (112 students) will graduate during the fall 2023 semester.
    • This year’s oldest graduate is 74 years old, and the youngest graduate is 19 years old.
    • The average age of graduates is 27 years old.

To learn more, visit the University of Nevada, Reno’s 2023 Winter Commencement website.

Media Contact

Jessica Lozada
Communications Officer
Marketing and Communications 
Phone: (775) 784-6186
Email: jfagundes@unr.edu

Media Contact

Scott Walquist
Director of Communications
Office of Marketing and Communications 
Phone: (775) 287-6788
Email: srwalquist@unr.edu


The University of Nevada, Reno is a public research university that is committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Nevada’s land-grant university founded in 1874, the University serves 21,000 students. The University is a comprehensive, doctoral university, classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Additionally, it has attained the prestigious “Carnegie Engaged” classification, reflecting its student and institutional impact on civic engagement and service, fostered by extensive community and statewide collaborations. More than $800 million in advanced labs, residence halls and facilities has been invested on campus since 2009. It is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Wolf Pack Athletics, maintains a statewide outreach mission and presence through programs such as the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Small Business Development Center, Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Through a commitment to world-improving research, student success and outreach benefiting the communities and businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around the world.

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