Media Advisory: University of Arizona Global Campus will honor 8,675 graduates at spring Commencement

  • What: University of Arizona Global Campus spring Commencement
  • When: Sunday, June 9, 9 a.m. Graduates begin checking in at 7 a.m.
  • Where: Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale
  • RSVP:  RSVP to Mitch Zak, mitchzak@arizona.edu, by noon on Friday, June 7.
  • Parking:
    • Saturday: Media parking available at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa parking structure, 9495 W Entertainment Blvd.
    • Sunday: Media parking available in the loading dock on the south side of the Desert Diamond Arena. Check in with the security at the gate.
  • Livestream: The event will be livestreamed on UAGC's YouTube channel.
  • Photos and additional information: https://arizona.box.com/v/UAGC-Commencement-2024

June 4, 2024

CHANDLER, Ariz. — The University of Arizona Global Campus will celebrate 8,675 graduates during its spring Commencement on June 9. More than 2,600 graduates and their families are expected to attend the event at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

The programs awarding the most degrees are Business Administration, with 1,606 bachelor's and master's degrees; Organizational Management, with 967 bachelor's and master's degrees; and Psychology, with 803 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Other degrees conferred this year are in Early Childhood Education, Health Care Administration, Human Resources Management, and Social and Criminal Justice.

Graduates in the spring class of 2024 range in age from 19 to 76. They represent all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, and several countries, including American Samoa, Canada, Germany, Guam, Japan, Puerto Rico, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and the United Kingdom. This geographical diversity illustrates the university's global reach.

Arizona Board of Regents Chair Cecilia Mata will deliver the Commencement keynote address.

"I am truly honored to be joining the University of Arizona Global Campus community as the Commencement speaker," Mata said. "I have always admired UAGC's support for adult learners, offering an education that adapts to their unique lives and challenges. The resilience and dedication of the class of 2024 are deeply inspiring, and I am excited to share in this special moment with them. Together, we will celebrate their hard-earned achievements and look forward to the bright futures they have ahead."

UAGC prides itself on its "culture of care," ensuring a student-centered approach in every aspect of its educational delivery. This philosophy is embedded in initiatives that have led to improved retention rates and graduation outcomes, reflecting the university's dedication to student success.

"The resolve and academic accomplishments of our students are astounding," said Gary Packard, interim senior vice provost for Online Initiatives at the University of Arizona. "They reflect an overall student population that includes full-time working professionals, parents, veterans and others who might not have access to traditional higher education without UAGC's online program, professional team and extensive resources."

Ahead of Commencement, UAGC will host a graduation celebration at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel and Spa on June 8. The event will include a career fair for graduates, a kids' fun zone for younger guests and numerous photo opportunities to capture the day's excitement. 

The celebration will also feature a "meet your faculty" event, allowing students to interact personally with their instructors. Additionally, there will be a special military event to honor the service of military-affiliated students and their families. Honor societies will host a meet-and-greet session, and there will be events specifically tailored for members of UAGC's CHAMPS Peer Mentoring Program and the Honors Program. Creative graduates can enjoy a Decorate Your Cap station, and the day will be highlighted by the doctoral hooding ceremony, marking a significant milestone for UAGC doctoral candidates.

# # #

Media contacts:
Mitch Zak
University Communications
916-612-0979
mitch.zak.@arizona.edu

Brian Mullen
The University of Arizona Global Campus
Brian.Mullen@uagc.edu