Graduating students Mike Nyhart and Lexy Lunger take a selfie before the start of the ceremony. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
A psychology major has an apt saying on their cap: "Ever look at someone and wonder what is going on inside their head?" (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Tanner Hansen reveals himself as the person who's been under that Pounce Panther suit for the last few years. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
JoAnne Anton, president and CEO of Herb Kohl Philanthropies, gives the commencement address at the morning ceremony. Anton spoke at both ceremonies and received an honorary degree. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Graduate Davien Holton celebrates after receiving his diploma. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Kate Jakubowski shows off her diploma after crossing the stage. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Cindy Bentley, executive director of People First Wisconsin and an advocate for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, receives an honorary degree at commencement. Bentley, who was born with fetal alcohol syndrome and an intellectual disability, is the only person with an intellectual and developmental disability leading an advocacy organization in Wisconsin. Bentley was hooded by Kim Litwack, dean of the College of Health Professions and Sciences. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
A beautifully decorated cap from a nursing graduate reads: "My blood, sweat and literal tears – BSN." (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Students Doreen Agyare (left) and Jean Mildred (right) stand with pride when the first-generation students were asked to be recognized. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Bayan Alma gives two thumbs up as she is hooded as a doctoral graduate in nursing. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Lisa Lipkins, teaching assistant professor of marketing, gives a hug to Bachelor of Business Administration graduate Victoria Hernandez. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Benjamin Gates shows off his diploma after after receiving his Master of Science in kinesiology. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Engineer graduates from the 2+2 program cohort celebrate with John Boyland, professor of computer science, after receiving their diplomas. The 2+2 Program is a partnership with Chung Yuan Christian University in Taiwan. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Nursing graduate Alejandra Martinez poses with her diploma after walking the stage. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Courtavious Miner, the final graduate to cross the stage, poses at the end of the graduation aisle holding the commemorative coin from the UWM Alumni Association. Students toss a coin into the campus fountain at the start of their college journey, symbolizing their hopes and dreams. On graduation day, they receive it back, marking both the completion of their college experience and the start of a new chapter. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Thousands of students graduated to their next adventure on Sunday, as they received their degrees from UWM and began looking forward to their next journey.
The graduating Class of 2025 gathered with family and friends at the UWM Panther Arena to celebrate all their accomplishments and look ahead to what’s next.
Check out the material below to experience some of the joy of commencement.
