Photo gallery: Commencement weekend one for the class of 2021

May 10, 2021

Last week, the University of Missouri began honoring the accomplishments of 5,547 students with more than 6,115 degrees as Mizzou’s in-person graduation celebrations began for the class of 2021. The graduates will join nearly 340,000 living Mizzou alumni around the world. Through a series of socially distanced ceremonies, university officials recognized the class of 2021 for their achievements and perseverance. Here are a few of our favorite photos from the first weekend of celebrations. Commencement ceremonies continue May 14-16.

ROTC members on the quad at a ceremony

To start the weekend, University of Missouri President Mun Choi spoke to and reviewed the three ROTC branch units.

ROTC members on the quad at a ceremony

The soon-to-be ROTC graduates worked tirelessly to fulfill the points for their training.

ROTC members on the quad at a ceremony

The pass in review ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that began as a way for a newly assigned commander to inspect the troops.

students running through the columns

The Mizzou Alumni Association Student Board and Mizzou Alumni Association welcomed class of 2021 grads to Tiger Prowl and Senior Sendoff.

four female students pose on the quad

Time slots allowed graduates to sign up in small groups and participate in Tiger Prowl, a symbolic exit through the historic Columns of Mizzou into the world beyond. Afterward the grads gathered on Carnahan Quadrangle for a celebration.

four students in reglia on the quad

Throughout the weekend, grads decked out in regalia could be found at some of Mizzou's most iconic sites.

a bulldog in regalia in front of the columns

Frida earned her DOGtorate in being cutest pup at Senior Sendoff.

a graduate in regalia with two mules

Jordan Biermann, a College of Veterinary Medicine graduate, posed with Tim and Terry, the Mule Team.

people in regalia at the ceremony

The 6,126 degrees awarded include 4,235 bachelor’s degrees, 1,080 master’s degrees, 329 doctorates, 82 law degrees, 58 education specialist degrees, 115 veterinary medicine degrees, 122 medical degrees and 105 professional degrees.

two people in regalia at the ceremony

Faculty were excited to celebrate their students in socially distant in-person ceremonies.

2 students pose for a picture in their regalia

Each graduate could bring up to six guests to their ceremony. Ceremonies were also livestreamed and recorded for family members and friends who could not attend.

a woman giving the peace sign in her regalia at the ceremony

The spring graduates will join nearly 340,000 living Mizzou alumni around the world.

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