May 02, 2017
by Jere W. Morehead, President
As the spring semester concludes, the University looks forward to welcoming more than 5,000 new graduates into the family of UGA alumni. At Friday’s Commencement ceremonies, we will celebrate their hard work and determination and their dedication to the ideals of this great institution.
This year’s undergraduate Commencement is particularly special to me because the Class of 2017 was the first to enroll as freshmen when I became President. During our four years together, the University has built new state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Science Learning Center and Bolton Dining Hall; increased personalized instruction in critical subject areas; and expanded experiential learning opportunities for UGA students.
Both our undergraduate and graduate students in the Class of 2017 have achieved great things during their time on campus. Among this Friday’s graduates are a record number of National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellows, the University’s 24th Rhodes Scholar, leaders of campus service organizations, and researchers who are helping to address the grand challenges of our time.
All of our graduates are equipped to continue making a positive impact on the world. I am proud of what the Class of 2017 has accomplished so far, and I am confident they will go on to achieve even more as alumni.