UIndy President Robert Manuel addresses a vast crowd at Key Stadium during today’s commencement ceremony, which brought together undergraduate and graduate programs for the first time since 2002.
Breezy but beautiful weather greeted attendees today at Key Stadium when UIndy celebrated commencement outdoors for the first time in a half-century.
More than 1,300 graduates were eligible to participate in the ceremony, and the football venue was configured to fit up to 10,000 for the occasion. This year’s graduates included a projected 80 doctoral candidates, 359 master’s degree candidates and 904 undergraduates, hailing from 28 states and 14 nations.
Although some colleges this year banned self-portrait photos from their commencement exercises, UIndy President Rob Manuel urged the graduates to take out their phones and send selfies to the world, announcing their pending arrival. Within moments, UIndy was trending on Twitter. See the best postings on the #UIndyGrad Storify page.
Faculty members applaud as this year’s UIndy graduates file into Key Stadium for commencement.
Hannah Rose Taylor Holmes, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Music Technology and Recording, opens the ceremony with the National Anthem.
Dr. Paul Krasnovsky directs the Concert Choir through some introductory music.
UIndy President Rob Manuel issues his charge to the graduates at the start of the 2014 commencement ceremony.
Students respond after President Rob Manuel invites them to post selfies and announce their arrival to the world.
Honorary degree recipients Ted Polk and Murv Enders share congratulations after being recognized for their service to the university and the broader community.
Undergraduate speaker Will Schnabel of Indianapolis, who hopes to become a screenwriter, drew big laughs with his humorous address before picking up his bachelor’s degree in communication.
A customized mortarboard stands out amid a sea of graduates during the ceremony at Key Stadium.
Graduates reposition their tassels to mark the official moment of graduation from the University of Indianapolis.
A student and faculty member embrace at the conclusion of the graduation ceremony.
Key Stadium was decked out with video screens, a concert-style sound system and enough chairs to bring its capacity up to 10,000, allowing graduates to invite as many guests as they wanted.
