The Neag School’s Class of 2016 graduates and their guests joined faculty, staff, and administrators earlier this month in celebration of Commencement Weekend, held on the UConn Storrs campus.

The Neag School’s Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, held Sunday, May 8, featured surprise visits from Jonathans XIII and XIV, who accompanied the more than 125 graduates in their processional to Jorgensen Auditorium. Jonathan the Husky, the University’s mascot, also joined the celebration, leading the crowd in UConn and Mother’s Day cheers, while UConn’s all-female a cappella group Rubyfruit performed the national anthem.

State Commissioner of Education Dianna R. Wentzell, also a member of UConn’s Board of Trustees, delivered the Undergraduate Commencement address. She shared with graduates from the Neag School’s sport management and teacher education undergraduate programs insights into her early-career experiences as an educator and encouraged students to make an impact in their chosen fields. “Feedback is a gift,” she said. “Feedback gives us an opportunity to reflect on our work and to think about ways to grow and improve. Having a growth mindset is one key to success in any industry.”

Congratulations, Neag School Class of 2016!

Find our Commencement video highlights, photo albums, and more here.

During the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, the School also unveiled two videos — one featuring alumni, students, and faculty sharing their Neag School experiences, and a second video in which graduating seniors offered personal messages of gratitude to their families, faculty mentors, and friends. Graduates and their families celebrated afterward during a reception held at the Gentry Building, where they enjoyed a photo booth and photo opportunities with Jonathan the Husky and Dean Schwab.

On Saturday, May 7, Neag School master’s and sixth-year graduates attended a pre-ceremony reception at the Gentry Building, followed by the Graduate School Commencement ceremony at Gampel Pavilion, where Oscar-winning film director Oliver Stone delivered the Commencement address. Graduates from the Neag School doctoral program celebrated on Sunday afternoon at a pre-ceremony reception held at the Alumni House and Commencement ceremony at Jorgensen, with UConn associate professor of political science Shareen Hertel giving the Commencement address.

In total, more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students were awarded UConn degrees this year.

Check out video highlights, photo albums, and more from the Neag School 2016 Commencement Weekend celebration here.