Shelby Young, a senior graduating with degrees in Africana studies and microbiology, poses with the university's ceremonial mace during filming for the virtual 2020 Commencement.
(Photo: Chris Richards/University of Arizona)
Abhijay Murugesan, a senior graduating with a degree in public health and the chief and executive director of the university's student Emergency Medical Service team, poses with the university's ceremonial mace during filming for the virtual 2020 Commencement.
(Photo: Chris Richards/University of Arizona)
An Luu, a senior graduating with a degree in physiology, poses with the university's ceremonial mace during filming for the virtual 2020 Commencement.
(Photo: Chris Richards/University of Arizona)
Jaesa Strong, a 2020 pharmacy graduate, poses with the university's ceremonial mace during filming for the virtual 2020 Commencement.
(Photo: Chris Richards/University of Arizona)
University mascots Wilbur and Wilma during filming for the virtual 2020 Commencement ceremony.
(Photo: Chris Richards/University of Arizona)
In preparation for the virtual ceremony, thousands of graduates opted to receive kits that included mortarboards, tassels and a diploma cover or a notepad and pen, along with a note from the president and provost congratulating graduates on their accomplishments.
(Photo: Chris Richards/University of Arizona)
Bryan Carter, associate professor of Africana studies and director of the UArizona Center for Digital Humanities, poses with the university's ceremonial mace during filming for the virtual 2020 Commencement.
(Photo: Chris Richards/University of Arizona)
Kendal Washington White, dean of students and vice provost for campus life, poses with the university's ceremonial mace during filming for the virtual 2020 Commencement.
(Photo: Chris Richards/University of Arizona)
Tony Viola IV, a senior graduating with a degree in literacy, learning and leadership, poses with the university's ceremonial mace during filming for the virtual 2020 Commencement. Viola is one of this year's Robie Gold Medal recipients.
(Photo: Chris Richards/University of Arizona)
University President Robert C. Robbins addresses the audience during filming for the virtual 2020 Commencement.
(Photo: Chris Richards/University of Arizona)
University President Robert C. Robbins addresses the audience during filming for the virtual 2020 Commencement.
(Photo: Chris Richards/University of Arizona)
Crystal Alyssia Raygoza, one of the 2020 Robie Gold Medal winners, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in family studies and human development, with a minor in Spanish. She celebrated her College of Agriculture and Life Sciences convocation at home with family.
(Photo: Chris Richards/University of Arizona)
Crystal Alyssia Raygoza, one of the 2020 Robie Gold Medal winners, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in family studies and human development, with a minor in Spanish. She celebrated her College of Agriculture and Life Sciences convocation at home with family.
(Photo: Chris Richards/University of Arizona)
Lauren Easter, this year's Provost Award winner, celebrates with her partner and fellow graduate Zachary Stout, along with Easter's son and parents.
(Photo: Chris Richards/University of Arizona)
Lauren Easter , this year's Provost Award winner, celebrates with her partner and fellow graduate Zachary Stout and family and friends.
(second from right)
Commencement keynote speaker Alison Levine, a history-making mountaineer and university alumna, addresses graduates in a video filmed for the virtual 2020 Commencement.
University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins conferred more than 11,000 degrees at the university's first-ever virtual Commencement on May 15.
Leaders began the plan to convert the 156th Commencement to a virtual format in mid-March due to physical distancing precautions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The new event was organized with input from graduates.
An in-person ceremony is planned during Homecoming Weekend on Oct. 30.
Graduates and their guests watched the ceremony via YouTube livestream. Viewers saw Robbins, Dean of Students Kendal Washington White, Provost Liesl Folks, college deans, this year's senior award winners and other speakers address the audience from spaces on campus. The clips were filmed in the weeks leading up to the ceremony, with participants following physical distancing guidelines.
Alison Levine, a mountaineer, adventurer and university alumna who delivered the keynote address, called on her trips up Mount Everest to show the class of 2020 that the challenges they overcame this spring would only make them stronger.
"You are resilient, you are creative, you have learned to sacrifice, to pivot and to keep going when you thought you couldn't," Levine said via video from her home.
"You are the fiercest Wildcat class ever."
Here are some images captured during filming ahead of the Commencement broadcast, as well as scenes from graduates' homes as they celebrated with their families.
If you missed the ceremony, you can watch it on the Commencement website.