Iowa State University fall commencement boasts record numbers

On Saturday, Dec. 17, an estimated 2,136 students completed their degrees from Iowa State University, making it the largest commencement ceremony that the institution has ever had. 

The ceremony began at 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Coliseum, though the doors opened two hours earlier. An array of students from different degree programs were represented during the ceremony -- in total, 1,759 bachelor's graduates, 257 master's and 120 doctoral students.

Additionally, 80 students who finished their degrees over the summer semester participated in this commencement ceremony, as well. 

The event was honored by a visit from U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, an alumna. Ernst is the first female member of Congress from the state of Iowa; she was also the first female combat veteran to be elected to her position in the Senate.

Ernst's degree from Iowa State was a bachelor's in psychology. 

Final examinations took place on Friday, after which the graduating students were able to attend departmental events that afternoon and evening, and continuing into Saturday morning.