Utah Valley University's historic 75th Commencement on Thursday, April 28, will celebrate the institution's largest graduating class ever, with 5,413 degrees awarded — 331 more than last year — ranging from certificates to associate, bachelor and master degrees.
Commencement exercises begin at 6:30 p.m. in the UCCU Center on UVU's Orem Campus. The University's eight individual college and school convocations will be held across campus on Friday, April 29. The processional begins at 6:15 p.m.
This event marks the University's 75th Commencement. In 1941 the institution, known as Central Utah Vocational School, offered courses in vocational training. In the past seven decades, the institution evolved from a vocational school to a technical school, a community college, then a state college, and finally, a comprehensive regional teaching university. Today, UVU offers a myriad of certificate programs, 63 associate degrees, 75 bachelor degrees, and three graduate degrees.
Graduates, who will wear commemorative 75th anniversary stoles and be given special anniversary diploma covers, will receive 185 certificates/diplomas, 2,039 associate degrees, 3,082 bachelor degrees, 99 master degrees, and seven graduate certificates.
Some 4,008 graduates are from Utah. The 10 most popular majors are university studies, behavioral science, business management, aviation science, communication, elementary education, accounting, integrated studies, nursing, and art & visual communications.
Seven-time Emmy Award-winning anchor John Quiñones will give the commencement address. Quiñones will share his personal story of overcoming poverty and other challenges, encouraging those listening to pursue their dreams regardless of barriers; he will also emphasize the role education played in his own success. During his 25-year tenure at ABC News, he has reported extensively for all programs and platforms and served as anchor of Primetime. He received Emmy Awards for his work on Primetime Live, Burning Questions, and 20/20. He is currently the host of What Would You Do?, one of the highest-rated newsmagazine franchises of recent years.
During the commencement proceedings, honorary doctoral degrees will be presented to Quiñones as well as to three additional outstanding individuals: Justice Christine Durham of the Utah Supreme Court; Todd Pedersen, CEO of Vivint Smart Home; and John Valentine, chair of the Utah State Tax Commission.
Due to traffic congestion on Interstate 15 anticipated because of Commencement and nearby events at BYU, it is recommended that those attending Commencement and convocation events allow extra travel time.