665 Colorado Mesa University students will graduate this December earning 719 degrees
Twice a year Colorado Mesa University students walk across the platform and into the next stage of life. On December 17, CMU will host two commencement ceremonies in which 665 graduates will leave Brownson Arena earning 719 degrees and certificates.
The December 2021 graduating class reflects a growing diversity in the kinds of degrees offered at CMU and Western Colorado Community College, and the university’s continued effort to serve first-generation students. Of the graduating students 50% are first-generation.
“CMU is our region’s leading First-Generation Serving Institution,” said President John Marshall. “Recruiting, mentoring and helping students who are the first in their families do the difficult work of earning a degree isn’t just a priority, it’s in our DNA as an institution.”
In addition to first-generation students, two Native American tribes and three countries will be represented.
The 8am ceremony will feature graduates from business; engineering, computer science, construction management and CU engineering; health sciences and kinesiology.
The 10:30am ceremony will feature graduates in art & design; biology; languages, literature and mass communication; liberal arts; math and statistics; music; physical and environmental sciences; social and behavioral sciences; teacher education; theatre arts and Western Colorado Community College.
While new COVID-19 protocols are in place, family and friends are welcome to attend the in-person ceremonies and honor the many accomplishments made by their students. Each ceremony will also be streamed live on Facebook and online. View the 8am ceremony or 10:30am ceremony.
"Commencement is a moment to celebrate each graduate and the culmination of work that got them to this point. Tomorrow’s ceremonies will be my first as president and I’m looking forward to seeing the joy on the faces of both the graduates and their families,” said Marshall.
Those who plan to attend commencement are asked to familiarize themselves with the COVID-19 protocols. For more information on what to expect the day of visit nihonnkazamidori.com/commencement.