Slideshow The day in photos: 2018 Winter Commencement
Mortarboards festooned in floral finery, families taking a gazillion snapshots, and many, many hugs – these were just a few of the sights during Sunday’s commencement ceremony.
![Photo of Chancellor Rebecca Blank speaking during the winter commencement ceremony](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/Unknown-1024x682.jpeg)
Chancellor Blank welcomes the graduates and their families and friends. Nearly 8,000 people attended. Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of a graduate sharing a hug before the ceremony.](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/Unknown-9-1024x682.jpeg)
A graduate shares a hug before the ceremony. Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of UW alum and former Commissioner of Baseball Allan "Bud" Selig speaking during the winter commencement ceremony](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/Unknown-1-1024x682.jpeg)
Baseball Commissioner Emeritus Allan "Bud" Selig delivers the address to the graduates. Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of family members snapping photos.](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/Unknown-10-1024x682.jpeg)
Families snap away. Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of a graduate holding her diploma cover.](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/Unknown-13-1024x682.jpeg)
A proud graduate leaves the stage with her diploma cover. Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of mortarboard reading, "Thank Mom and Dad"](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/Unknown-8-1024x682.jpeg)
Graduates use their caps to say thanks... Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of a graduate wearing a wreath of red and white flowers and greenery.](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/Unknown-19-1024x682.jpeg)
to celebrate in glam red-and-white... Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of a graduate with an elaborately decorated floral mortarboard.](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/Unknown-16-1024x682.jpeg)
particularly with flowers... Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of graduate's cap reading "Happy 75th B-Day Grandma"](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/Unknown-5-1024x682.jpeg)
to give a shout out to family... Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of mortarboard reading, "I did it for my cats - future DVM"](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/Unknown-6-1024x682.jpeg)
and even pets. Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of student speaker Jamie Dawson delivering her address](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/Unknown-3-1024x682.jpeg)
Student speaker Jamie Dawson, a First Wave scholar, encourages graduates to "Walk toward the things that bring you joy." Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of Badger linebacker and graduate Chris Orr](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/athlete2-1024x682.jpeg)
Among the graduates were Badgers linebackers Chris Orr... Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of Badger linebacker and graduate T.J. Edwards](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/athlete1-1024x682.jpeg)
and T.J. Edwards. Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of a graduate doing a celebratory fist pump after walking the stage.](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/Unknown-12-1024x682.jpeg)
The moment of crossing the stage prompts celebrations of all sorts. Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of UW Band Director Mike Leckrone receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/Unknown-4-1024x682.jpeg)
The crowd gives a standing ovation to Mike Leckrone, in his 50th and final season as director of the UW Band. Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of graduates arm in arm singing "Varsity."](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/Unknown-20-1024x682.jpeg)
Graduates link arms to sing "Varsity." Photo by: Bryce Richter
![Photo of graduate Ebony McClendon, holding a bouquet of roses, posing for a photo outdoors after the ceremony.](https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2018/12/Unknown-22-1024x682.jpeg)
Graduate Ebony McClendon poses for a photo outdoors after the ceremony. It was a balmy, sunny day with temperatures in the mid-40s. Photo by: Bryce Richter
Tags: chancellor, commencement, student life, winter