Slideshow Photo gallery: Winter commencement 2019
Family and friends packed the Kohl Center on Dec. 15 to celebrate with 1,200 graduates taking part in winter commencement exercises.

Sarah Clifford, who earned a master's degree in public health, carries in a flag as part of the opening procession. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Provost Karl Scholz bumps fists with a marshal. Photo by: Bryce Richter

More than 1,200 student walked the stage at the Kohl Center Sunday, receiving bachelor's, master's, professional and doctoral degrees. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Sports and humor columnist Jason Gay shared wisdom as well as jokes (many at the University of Michigan's expense). Photo by: Bryce Richter

Student speaker Lisa Kamal acknowledges a friend in the audience. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Chancellor Rebecca Blank congratulates a graduate. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Nearly 7,400 people attended the ceremony, including about 1,200 graduates. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Catherine Palm, who earned a master's degree in cartography, and her service dog head back to their seat after walking the stage. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Graduate Mya Quick waves to her family in the audience. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Chris Orr, an inside linebacker on the Badger football team, smiles after receiving his master's degree in educational leadership and policy analysis. Photo by: Bryce Richter

A graduate enjoys the moment. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Graduate Brian Mays celebrates. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Mortarboards paid homage to Pokemon... Brian Huynh

Stanley from "The Office" ... Brian Huynh

"Star Wars" ... Brian Huynh

and the journey to come. Brian Huynh

A graduate takes a selfie with her family following the ceremony. Brian Huynh
Tags: campus life, commencement, students