Each year at this time the University of Portland sends its graduates beyond the Bluff into the world. This year the University announces a record number of 212 graduate and 929 undergraduate students to receive their degrees during the first weekend of May here on campus in the Earle A. and Virginia H. Chiles Center.
The number of University graduates has fluctuated during the years of the University’s existence. For example, Lawrence Brennan received the only university degree awarded in 1932 (we had first become a 4-year University four years before). The University of Portland became fully co-educational in 1951, and when the University conferred its 10,000th degree in 1974, it was received by Catherine Glidden, an earned bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
From Army and Air Force commissionings, to the Nursing pinning ceremonies, President’s Luncheon, academic procession, and valedictory addresses, the end of college is marked by more than moving out and moving on. It is a time of accomplishment and pride, celebration and ritual for both faculty and students and families met together this weekend in joy.
