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

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.

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

Baseball Commissioner Emeritus Allan "Bud" Selig delivers the address to the graduates. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Photo of family members snapping photos.

Families snap away. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Photo of a graduate holding her diploma cover.

A proud graduate leaves the stage with her diploma cover. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Photo of mortarboard reading, "Thank Mom and Dad"

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.

to celebrate in glam red-and-white... Photo by: Bryce Richter

Photo of a graduate with an elaborately decorated floral mortarboard.

particularly with flowers... Photo by: Bryce Richter

Photo of graduate's cap reading "Happy 75th B-Day Grandma"

to give a shout out to family... Photo by: Bryce Richter

Photo of mortarboard reading, "I did it for my cats - future DVM"

and even pets. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Photo of student speaker Jamie Dawson delivering her address

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

Among the graduates were Badgers linebackers Chris Orr... Photo by: Bryce Richter

Photo of Badger linebacker and graduate T.J. Edwards

and T.J. Edwards. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Photo of a graduate doing a celebratory fist pump after walking the stage.

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.

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."

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.

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

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