Commencement history made in Mackay Stadium Over four days in May of 2021, the 2020 and 2021 graduating classes were honored at Mackay Stadium, a first for the University

Graduates on the field during commencement at Mackay Stadium

Commencement history made in Mackay Stadium

Over four days in May of 2021, the 2020 and 2021 graduating classes were honored at Mackay Stadium, a first for the University

You can never say never in the world in which we are living, but the 2021 Commencement week that just was may be something the University may never see again.

Two years of graduating classes – the Classes of 2020 and 2021 – were honored. For the first time in University history, Commencement was held in Mackay Stadium. And if that wasn’t enough, the exercises stretched throughout the week, starting on a sun-splashed morning on Wednesday before they wrapped up under surly northern Nevada skies on Saturday afternoon.

A total of eight Commencement ceremonies were held, recognizing 8,350 degrees awarded between the 2020 and 2021 graduates.

“We know the past year has presented incredible challenges for all of you. You’ve persevered, shown resiliency and succeeded against great odds.”

– President Brian Sandoval

Morrill Hall
The University's first building on campus, Morrill Hall is pictured here with a blue gradient over the image.

“Nevada has shaped me into the person I am today. (The international field study trip I made to Rwanda) without a doubt changed my life. I will always cherish the opportunity I had to work alongside some of the best public health warriors I know.”

– Anna Marie Dobbins

2020 College of Science graduate who aspires to a career in global health helping members of indigenous communities

“Be the Wolf this Pack needs you to be.”

– Oscar Loyd

2021 graduate in Business Management and International Business

Morrill Hall
The University's first building on campus, Morrill Hall is pictured here with a blue gradient over the image.

“It was a humbling experience, and I’m happy to help our older adult population during this stressful time.”

– Anahi Guerrero Silva

2021 Orvis Nursing graduate, describing her work as a student caregiver at an assisted living facility during the pandemic

“Overall, I have been through a lot of ups and downs in my life and what keeps me going is that I have surrounded myself with people that have supported, inspired and cared for me. This gave me the motivation to excel and to be the best version of myself.”

– Allan Joseph De La Cruz Romero

2020 graduate in Engineering

“Throw me to the wolves, and I will return leading the Pack.”

– Anthony Martinez

2020 graduate in International Affairs and Spanish

Morrill Hall
The University's first building on campus, Morrill Hall is pictured here with a blue gradient over the image.

“Unlike this time last year, when things were so uncertain, I am graduating into a world where there is renewed hope. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and I can’t wait to get there.”

– Jordan Nicholson

2021 graduate in Journalism

“Through your studies and experiences over the past four years – and particularly over the past year – you have come to understand a universal truth: that when you are grounded in the right values, you are always going to make a difference in the lives of everyone around you.”

– President Brian Sandoval

Morrill Hall
The University's first building on campus, Morrill Hall is pictured here with a blue gradient over the image.