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

Photo of Provost Karl Scholz bumping fists with a marshal.

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

Photo from above of rows of seated graduates in caps and gowns.

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

Photo of Lisa Kamal pointing toward the audience.

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

Photo of Chancellor Blank shaking a graduate's hand.

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

Aerial view of the Kohl Center showing the graduates and audience.

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

Photo of a graduate holding her small black-and-white service dog and her diploma cover.

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

Photo of Mya Quick waving to her family in the audience.

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

Photo of Chris Orr holding his diploma cover.

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