Sun, pomp and smiles for UCI grads

Christine Carrillo

They couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day.

The sun was shining, a light breeze was blowing and they were

surrounded by family and friends applauding their efforts.

They were the 2003 graduating class at UC Irvine’s 38th

commencement ceremonies.

More than 5,000 graduates received a degree Saturday, marking

nearly a 10% increase compared to last year’s graduating class.

Among those graduating students, 853 received their master’s

degree or doctorates while the vast majority, 4,098 students,

received their bachelor’s degree.

“It represents another accomplishment for me,” said 23-year-old

Erin Gong, who received her master’s of arts in teaching. “I wanted

to go into teaching because it seems like a very influential

profession ... it influenced me. I’m happy and my family’s proud.”

Ceremonies started as early at 9 a.m. Saturday morning, with The

Henry Samueli School of Engineering and School of Social Ecology and

as late as 7 p.m. for the Graduate School of Management.

The university held six different commencement ceremonies at the

Bren Events Center and Aldrich Park to accommodate the high number of

graduates and spectators. But despite the university’s efforts, some

of the spectators found it difficult to be a part of the ceremony.

“It’s so crowded we had trouble seeing the stage,” said Jason

Batton, who was there to see his niece graduate. “It’s nice to see so

many people here to support the graduates. It’s a big day for them

... that’s the most important thing.”

With a day filled with commencement ceremonies at the university,

families and friends flooded the campus to see their loved ones walk.

“It is very exciting,” said Pernilla Brandt, who was attending two

ceremonies for family. “I think it’s a fabulous thing and I know

they’re going to do wonderful things with their lives.”

The moment their commencement ended and the degrees for their past

efforts were received, many of the graduates couldn’t help but look

ahead to their futures.

“It was a nice ceremony,” said 23-year-old Francine Hagen, who

earned her master’s of arts in teaching. “Now, I need a job.”