The University’s December Commencement exercises in Lawlor Events Center on Saturday saw the conferral of 1,868 degrees. President Marc Johnson told the graduates that they represented a campus community that was the “true wonder of human potential that binds us all.”

“You have made a huge investment over the past four years, devoting yourself with a single-minded purpose in order to attain your degree,” Johnson said. “As you move forward today, be courageous enough to continue to live and lead in a collaborative fashion. Actively study to differentiate fact from fiction. Actively assure that all positive voices are heard. Actively work hard every day to bring brilliance to our world.”

Nevada State Supreme Court Justice Lidia Stiglich was the featured speaker who addressed the morning ceremony that included graduates from the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, Community Health Sciences, College of Education, College of Engineering, the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Orvis School of Nursing, College of Science and the School of Social Work. United States Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada addressed the afternoon ceremony that included graduates from the College of Business, College of Liberal Arts and the Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism.

“It was my honor to deliver the commencement address to the University of Nevada, Reno’s winter graduating class of 2019,” Rosen wrote later on Instagram. “It excites me to think about where all these young adults are heading in their next journey. Congratulations, Class of 2019. I know you’ll continue to make Nevada proud.”

Of the 1,868 degrees conferred, 1,368 were bachelor’s degree and 500 were advanced degrees (master’s and doctoral degrees).

Carol Del Carlo, a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents, who also addressed both ceremonies, recalled how she met her future husband, George Del Carlo of Virginia City, during one of the first weekends she was on campus as a freshman in 1970. The couple married in 1971, and Del Carlo, while living a military lifestyle as her husband served in the nation’s armed forces for more than 20 years, earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree while living in military posts throughout the country and the world.

Her message to those gathered on Saturday was simple.

“I’m sharing my story with you today because I know you understand,” she said. “All of you have made sacrifices and put in long hard hours of study … of family … work … class … study and then repeat, to reach this point in your lives.

“You’ve shown uncommon focus and incredible self-discipline. You’ve come to realize that it’s not how you start, but how you finish, that truly matters.”