'It's surreal': 4,823 University of Oregon Ducks graduate with the Class of 2023

Bright and early, hundreds of graduating Ducks began lining up at the gates of Moshofsky Plaza.

The University of Oregon held its 147th annual commencement ceremony at Autzen Stadium Tuesday morning.

Graduates said they felt a mix of emotions as they gathered in their green regalia.

"It's my seventh year in college," said Dylan Boles, who transferred from Saddleback Community College in California and has now earned her bachelor's degree in family and human services. "I've waited my whole life for this day. It's surreal."

Boles was with her mother, Sally, before the ceremony. Her mom mentioned that her grandfather was a Duck who graduated around 1967. Boles, who grew up in Southern California, first visited UO when she was 12, and she knew then she wanted to attend.

"I think that (UO) was the only school I could see myself at," Boles said, "I got to a point where I didn't think it was gonna happen. But things all fall into place."

Boles didn't graduate from high school, instead earning her GED, facing hardships with her mental health, she said. But she found ways to persevere. She said she is proud of herself for staying with her higher education.

"She's taught me so much," Sally Boles said. "There isn't a straight path to life. She taught me that there can be twists and turns. She still got to here. It doesn't matter how you get here, just get here."

First-generation students share their pride

For first-generation college graduates, commencement means a lot.

Monica Arceo, 25, who graduated with a degree in architecture, said she decided to attend the ceremony largely to share the accomplishment with her family. She was excited to begin her career.

Gabriel Inocente, 21, who earned his bachelor's degree in journalism, had 25 family members attend the main commencement. He said he was nervous the night before the ceremony, but he feels like a weight will be lifted off his shoulders as he walks the stage later today.

"It does mean a lot to them," Inocente said. "My parents have been here, and a few of my cousins, but for a good majority of them, it's their first time in Oregon."

Dannicka Maes, 26, graduated with a master's degree in psychology through UO's online program.

She said it was her first time being on campus. As a first-generation student, she said, her family was even more excited than she was for the ceremony.

Maes graduated with her bachelor's degree in California in 2020 when the pandemic prevented most public ceremonies, so this was her first time having the full graduation experience.

Class of 2023 stats

4,823 Ducks graduated from the Class of 2023 this spring. The ceremony featured a commencement address by attorney, environmental activist and 2003 UO alum Amy Bowers Cordalis.

Cordalis, a member of the Yurok Tribe, told the grads that although they are inheriting a "troubled world," anything is possible for them.

Students earned 3,735 bachelor's degrees, 848 master’s degrees, 166 doctoral degrees and 155 law degrees. The oldest grad was 67 and the youngest was 18.

Many of the students earned their degrees in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, facing online learning and limited opportunities.

Rowan Corbin, 22, double majored in English and medieval studies and spent her sophomore year at home in California.

"At the time, I didn't think it was that bad," she said. "But looking back, I feel a little sad."

She added that this was her first time coming back to Autzen Stadium since freshman year when the incoming class enters the field as a way of welcome. She said it felt like a full-circle moment for her.

Departmental ceremony controversy

For 2023, UO decided to condense its number of ceremonies, nixing the usual department-specific commencements for the College of Arts and Sciences.

After outcry from students and staff, CAS, which has the majority of students and normally has dozens of departmental ceremonies, was split into five commencements, all held Tuesday. Ceremonies historically have been held over two days, but this year Monday was the Juneteenth federal and state holiday.

Some CAS students had little opinion on the issue, while others thought it was a good option given the circumstances.

"I feel like it was a good compromise between not having a ceremony and having one," said Judah Aptecker, 30, who graduated with his bachelor's degree in multidisciplinary science.

"I know people were like pretty upset that it wasn't the major (department) ones anymore, but I personally don't really care," he said.

"I think it's nice to get to walk across the stage at Autzen and get your name called," said Kwabena Lynn, who earned his degree in political science. "It seems like it'll be quicker, but some people are also disappointed."

Others still were not pleased with the change.

Imani Camp, who earned her degree in psychology, called the circumstances "stupid," saying it was "super disappointing" that departmental ceremonies were cut.

Sara Tosi, who earned a bachelor's degree in physics, agreed, noting that she felt the university only made the change once people complained. A student-led petition was created in protest, garnering nearly 3,900 signatures since its creation in February.

"I know some of my family has second-guessed if they want to go to UO because if this is how they're gonna treat graduation then what's the point," Tosi said.

The university has since confirmed that it will restore department ceremonies for the June 2024 commencement. From 2024 to 2028, June commencement activities will happen over two days, Sunday and Monday, as opposed to the one day for 2023.

Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her on Twitter @mirandabcyr.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Ducks graduate from University of Oregon with Class of 2023