Graduate School Holds 2018 Convocation

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Published:
June 5, 2018
Photo of Graduating Students

On May 19, 2018, the Graduate School at The University of Texas at Austin held convocation ceremonies celebrating its graduating master’s and doctoral students.

More than 2,300 students earned graduate degrees during the 2017-18 academic year. More than 3,000 friends and family members attended each of the two ceremonies at Bass Concert Hall on the UT campus.

Photo of Dean Mark Smith

The ceremonies were hosted by Graduate School Dean Mark J. T. Smith, with keynote remarks delivered by leadership from The University of Texas at Austin. Following the remarks, graduates were individually recognized and hooded by the dean of their academic college or school.

“Regardless of what awaits you—whether careers in academia, industry or public service—you will always have membership in a community committed to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge, to intellectual innovation and scholarly tradition,” Smith said. “And so, graduates, wear your regalia with pride! You have earned the right to display your achievement!”

Master’s Convocation

Photo of Provost McInnis

The master’s ceremony took place at 9 a.m., and Maurie McInnis, executive vice president and provost of the university, delivered keynote remarks.

“As I look out at you today, I am amazed at the level of scholarship and creativity represented in this room,” McInnis said. “Rarely do we have the opportunity to be a part of such a world-class assembly of intellectuals, professionals and artists…Going forward, I challenge you take what you have learned here to address the great and small challenges of our time.”

During the 2017-18 academic year, over 1,700 students earned master's degrees from the university.

As part of the master’s ceremony, Dean Smith presented the 2018 Graduate School Distinguished Alumnus Award to B. L. Turner II (B.A. ’68, M.A. ’69). Turner completed his bachelor’s and master’s in the Department of Geography and the Environment.

“Dr. Turner is a pioneer in the field,” said Kelley A. Crews, associate professor of Geography, who nominated Turner for the award. “He has fought to further not only sustainability science…but sustainability as actionable and coproduced by researchers and stakeholders in developed and developing countries.”

Doctoral Convocation

Photo of President Fenves

The doctoral ceremony took place at noon, and Gregory Fenves, president of the university, delivered keynote remarks.

“You, more than any other students on this campus, have immersed yourselves in your discipline,” Fenves said. “Your conduct over many years reflects the very definition of that word: discipline. You have dedicated thousands of hours to developing your scholarship, new ideas and new ways of thinking, innovating and perfecting. And with that virtuosity, with that carefully honed craft, you are now poised to create and discover with such great power.” 

During the 2017-18 academic year, over 600 students earned doctoral degrees from the university.

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