Friday kicked off the start of commencement weekend on the University of Denver’s campus. More than 1,400 graduate students gathered with their friends and family at Magness Arena at the Ritchie Center for Sports & Wellness to mark this milestone.

For many of the 2022 graduates, their time in graduate school has been a winding journey marked by challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic— from virtual learning, to a return to in-person classes and remaining flexible

“I know it took hard work and dedication to earn your advanced degrees,” Chancellor Jeremy Haefner told the graduates. “And you have managed to do this despite truly unique challenges…but you persevered.”

Chancellor Haefner emphasized the three “R’s” that will help the graduates as they embark on their next adventure— respect, reputation and resilience.

“I hope you stay connected to the fire within you that keeps you moving forward, even and most especially when confronting challenges,” he said.

DU alum Ed Dwight shared a message of inspiration with the new graduates. He is a renowned bronze sculptor, former United States Air Force test pilot and America’s first African American Astronaut candidate among many other accomplishments.

"You can do anything your brain can conceive of," Dwight shared. "Don't let anything in the universe stop you. I know each one of you has your dreams and you have your responsibility to go out and honor those dreams, to seek those dreams and to fulfill those dreams."