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Excited student walks at commencement
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May Commencement 2024

Commencement is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for our graduates. It marks the end of their academic journey at UNCW and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.   

For the Class of 2024, commencement also symbolizes their triumph over adversity. For many undergraduates, the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted their first year, altering their Seahawk experiences in unprecedented ways. Our 2024 graduates have shown incredible resilience, a testament to their determination. These Seahawks have soared in academic endeavors, artistic ventures, research efforts, athletic feats and leadership roles on and off campus. They have gained a wealth of experiences and now join a vibrant community of over 106,000 alumni leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers. 

This multimedia presentation captures the most memorable moments from our 106th Commencement Exercises and related events honoring our graduates. 

uncw graduate kisses seahawk statue with grad cap on
Alumni Association honors the seniors

Commencement Toast

The UNCW Alumni Association welcomed May graduates with its annual Commencement Toast. New alums received a commemorative champagne flute at the event.

We Support You

Mike Crocker ’94, UNCW Alumni Association Vice Chair speaking
“Remember that the UNCW Alumni Association is here to support you in your continued journey. Whether it's through mentorship, networking events or simply staying connected with the university and with each other.”  

- Mike Crocker ’94, UNCW Alumni Association Vice Chair
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Celebrations

UNCW honored graduating students through academic department events, the Senior Excellence Luncheon, the Honors College Medallion Ceremony, the Cords and Coins Ceremony, the Senior Sankofa, the Purple and Lavender Ceremony, and the Excelencia Latina.

commencement student

 

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2,918

Total Number of Degrees*
*As of March 20, 2024

1st

Graduate Programs Ceremony

19,000+

Attended Commencement

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SEAHAWK STORIES

As a Seahawk, your flight is your own. We each launch from communities that have shaped us, and we build new communities as we go—some right here on the UNCW campus. Hear from the fierce and generous individuals who are making our community stronger, more diverse, more unique.

UNCW Commencement 2024

2,204 Bachelor's Degrees*

Caps off to our undergraduates for reaching this significant milestone in their academic journey!

*As of March 20, 2024

You Earned It!

Chancellor at commencement
As you lift off from UNCW and fly toward a new year and new opportunities, I challenge you to pursue your next set of goals with the same determination that you applied to earning your degree.” 

- Chancellor Aswani K. Volety

SEAHAWK STORIES

As a Seahawk, your flight is your own. We each launch from communities that have shaped us, and we build new communities as we go—some right here on the UNCW campus. Hear from the fierce and generous individuals who are making our community stronger, more diverse, more unique.

Rose to the Challenge

Jackson Porter '24
"Despite facing countless setbacks and uncertainties, we always rose to the challenge and made the most out of our college experience. Throughout all of it, I think we all became the best version of ourselves.” 

~ Jackson Porter '24, Senior Class President

Celebrating Academic Excellence

students walking at commencement
“Graduate education and graduate students drive the innovation and knowledge production that are at the heart of a modern university. It is fitting that we celebrate your achievements with a ceremony all your own.”

- Chancellor Aswani K. Volety
Students receiving master's degrees

628 Master’s Degrees*

Congratulations to these accomplished graduates on their momentous achievement and their commitment to being lifelong learners! 

*As of March 20, 2024

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UNCW Doctoral graduates is hooded

86 Doctoral Degrees*

Salute to these exceptional scholars for their perseverance and scholarly achievements!

* As of March 20, 2024

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36

States and 9 Countries Represented

150

Graduates Join
UNCW Society

106,000+

UNCW Alumni Worldwide

Lifetime Supporters

Portrait of Provost James Winebrake
“There is one take-home message from this commencement weekend—it is that your journey with UNCW does not end today. The faculty and staff with whom you worked, and shared your life’s stories and dreams, and talked to about your passions and goals—we will be here for you throughout your lifetime.”

- Provost James J. Winebrake
UNCW Faculty

Our Faculty

The UNCW faculty play a pivotal role in the success of our graduates, offering support and mentorship to guide them toward achieving their goal. That support continues after our graduates leave the university.

Ready to Fly

Portrait of UNCW Trustee Carlton Fisher
“You came here as young fledglings learning to fly and your presence here today signifies that you are ready to leave the nest, for now. Come back when you can. UNCW will be here, ready to welcome you home.”

- Carlton Fisher ’83, Chair of the UNCW Board of Trustees
Creative Caps adorn by graduates

Commencement Caps

From hand-painted illustrations to creative embellishments, graduates’ caps tell a story of their journey.

UNCW is Your Family

Stephania Bloodworth, UNCW Alumni Association Chair
“UNCW is a family, your family. Wherever you go and whatever you do, remember you represent UNCW at its best. We are all proud to call you alumni. Go Seahawks!” 

- Stephania Bloodworth ’00, UNCW Alumni Association Chair
student holding commencement diploma in their regalia

Rewatch the Commencement Livestream!

Relive celebratory moments by watching the recorded broadcast of the commencement exercises!

Rewatch the Livestream!
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Hawks Walk: Thousands Graduate UNCW

Nearly 19,000 trekked through Trask Coliseum over the weekend to watch 2,918 Seahawks officially graduate.

Hawks Walk: Thousands Graduate UNCW
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"Let's Soar High, Soar Far and Soar Together, Seahawks!"

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