CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) — Kenan Stadium filled with a scene of fireworks and caps in the air as thousands of graduates celebrated during UNC-Chapel Hill’s 2024 Spring Commencement Ceremony.
“It’s been a long way, but we made it!” exclaimed new graduate Anna Rui Dow.
Students said their education hasn’t come without some challenges that included a pandemic, global turmoil, a lockdown, and recent heated protests. Dow said she is thankful for one thing in particular.
“The support. The fact that we built a community for us throughout these years rising through a pandemic getting here,” she said.
Caleb Sigmon, another recent graduate, listened to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” playing on the speakers at the end of the ceremony.
“It’s like building up right now, as I speak, like hearing the music that’s playing right now… it’s been surreal,” he said.
If you were anywhere near the campus Saturday, you couldn’t miss the sea of Carolina Blue gathered for a celebratory night. Interim Chancellor Lee H. Roberts officiated the ceremony that recognized roughly 6,711 graduates. NASA Astronaut and UNC alumna Zena Cardman shared words of support while delivering the 2024 Spring Commencement address.
Cardman, is preparing for her first spaceflight in August.
“The definition of great things, of success or fulfillment, is entirely up to you,” she said.
Parents like Andrew Tilley and his wife shared a mix of emotions felt before the ceremony—both excited and sad.
“I mean, he’s graduating, our oldest son, he’s getting ready to go out into the real world,” said Tilley.
After reports of pro-Palestine protestors defaced UNC’s South Building earlier in the afternoon, families said the day and ceremony remained peaceful.
However, mixed emotions were felt from the crowd inside Kenan Stadium throughout the evening. At one point, people in the crowd began to shout when students traveled down the aisle with a flag representing Palestine. Security intervened and the ceremony continued.
People in attendance noted the added level of security as well as new rules and guidelines. UNC leaders said the new rules included a clear bag policy and for students to present their UNC One card before entering.
An announcement before the event also reminded everyone of free speech laws and policies that also prohibited significant disruption of the university’s operations.
Interim Chancellor Roberts not only took the moment to recognize and congratulate the new alumni, but also reminded students that Carolina isn’t owned, but shared. Roberts added,
“Being the University of the People is not always easy, especially when the people are not of one mind—they never are,” said Roberts. “Being the University of the People means that we contain all that is great and all that is troubling about our society.”