UNO holds winter commencement

UNO holds winter commencement
UNO holds winter commencement | Courtesy of Shutterstock
On Friday, Dec. 16, the University of New Orleans (UNO) held its winter commencement ceremony, where 900 students received degrees.

John Nicklow, president at the university, presided over the ceremony at the UNO Lakefront Arena. It was Nicklow’s second commencement.

“Today’s program marks the end of long years of rigorous academic training and the beginning of a transition to a very different chapter in your lives,” he said. “I want you to think just for a moment about how different you are today than when you arrived at the University of New Orleans. You’ve grown in so many different ways in your determination to work hard and achieve your degree. Now you understand what I mean when I say education is transformational.”

The 900 students who received degrees represented 41 states and 57 countries, with many of them taking a winding route to reach this point. Nicklow pointed this out during his address, congratulating the students on where they are today.

“Yes, you’ve faced obstacles along the way,” he said. “But, with the help of family and friends and supporters, you have succeeded and you are prepared for whatever comes next. Because, in fact, next is now.”