Congratulations, Class of 2024!
This year's campuswide spring ceremony took place on May 11, 2024, at the California Memorial Stadium. Cynthia "Cynt" Marshall, UC Berkeley alumna and CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, delivered this year's commencement address. Despite the backdrop of chants and protests from graduates opposing the war in Gaza, the ceremony largely proceeded as planned. Within the College of Letters & Science, many departments hosted smaller, more intimate graduations. Families and friends attended both in person and virtually, as many ceremonies were livestreamed. The L&S community welcomed keynote speakers from across the country to address the newest graduates, offering thoughtful words of wisdom and heartfelt congratulations:
- "One of my observations about American culture is the value placed on independence, on being able to go it alone and not need anyone. I think this is epitomized in heroes, who are often portrayed as loners...I think lone heroes are, in fact, a myth. We all need relationships and help throughout our lives." - Nadine Tang M.S.W. '75 (UGIS)
- "As the word commencement indicates, this is a beginning. Now, things get real, if they weren't already. You all have a role in making the world a better place. The obstacles may seem daunting, but your abilities and character bring me great optimism that we will meet the challenges ahead." - Martin Olsson, Chair of the Department of Mathematics
- "The Berkeley that I know is a place where we understand that having hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles is not foolish. It's brave. Sustaining hope is tremendously difficult, but it's also more important now than ever before. " - Olivia Huffman Reed '24, recipient of the 2024 Political Science Department Citation
Congratulations to the Class of 2024! Enjoy highlights from a handful of L&S department ceremonies below.
Department Commencement Videos
