Graduating Seniors Receive Academic Accolades at Honors Convocation Ceremony

Commencement season at the University of San Diego (USD) began with the Honors Convocation Ceremony in the Shiley Theatre on Tuesday, May 7. 

Annually, the ceremony is the first of many USD celebrations ahead of the official commencement events. It is held to recognize the academic accomplishments of graduating seniors. 

The warm glow of the theater lights provided a fitting ambiance for the overwhelming feelings love and appreciation inside as graduating seniors were honored.

USD Senior Vice President and Provost Gail Baker, PhD, provided the welcome remarks.

“Today, we commemorate and recognize our highest-achieving seniors across the university for their academic accomplishments and their outstanding service,” Baker said. 

Graduating senior Angélique M. Brown sang USD’s Alma Mater, drawing a loud round of applause from administrators, faculty and her peers in the packed theater.

The awards were presented to students by beloved faculty as they walked across the stage and shook hands or were greeted with a warm hug. As each individual name was read over the PA, the distinct sound of enthusiastic “woos!” rang out loudly, echoing inside the theater.

— Story and photos by Matthew Piechalak