VIDEO: Wet Weather Cannot Dampen December Commencement

The end of the calendar year brought the University of Cincinnati's December Commencement events, marking degree completion for more than 2,000 students.

Commencement for undergraduates was held today, Dec. 14, while events for graduate students were held on Dec. 13.

UC President Santa J. Ono led today's ceremony, and Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich delivered today's Commencement address.

In his remarks, Kasich advised the graduates that they would never fail in life if they sought to use their gifts and abilities to make a difference in the lives of others. He added, "In my experience, when you embrace those gifts, you start leading a meaningful life... . Then, you can carry out your mission in life and find great satisfaction."

President Ono singled out a number of students for their individual achievements. These included

• Psychology student Marcia Poyser who is the first in her immigrant family to be born in the United States and is the first to graduate from college.

• Adrienne Larson who earned her associate degree from UC Blue Ash College in 1978. After three decades of work and raising a family, she returned to UC after more than 30 years to complete her bachelor's degree in Applied Administration, also at UC Blue Ash.

And to all the students, President Ono said, “After all your diligent effort and study, today is your day to celebrate. Congratulations to you, your family and loved ones… . Let us also thank your family and friends for the love and support they have shown you as you reach this moment.”

This year, 2013, marks the first time in 34 years that UC has held Commencement ceremonies three times in one year – at the end of spring, at the end of summer and, now, at the end of the calendar year. Enrollment and retention are driving the need for multiple graduation events as graduation rates have increased 15 percent in the last 10 years at UC. In addition, enrollment has increased more than 27 percent between 2002 and 2012, while first- to second-year retention rates have increased from 77 percent to 86 percent over the last 10 years.

This fall, UC’s enrollment came to a

record setting 42,656

, the highest in the university’s 194-year history.

• Four honorary degrees were presented at today's ceremonies, to UC alumnus Robert L. Fealy; Xavier University President Michael J. Graham; Cincinnati native Ardis Dee Hoven, MD; and Cincinnati native John A. Ruthven.

• See a statistical breakdown of the class of December 2013.
  

• See student stories from the class of December 2013.