Many graduates took the opportunity to make a statement by "posting" a message on their mortbarboard.

Anyone who has been to a Metro State commencement knows that the atmosphere is electric with excitement, hugs, tears, jitters and lots of pomp and circumstance. To get the full effect, try sitting next to a proud parent. Better yet, sit next to a mother watching her son graduate on Mother’s Day.

“I’m so proud,” said Sue Lee, mother of graduating engineering technology student Ian Cesare. “I’m so excited I can barely stand it.”

Lee was one of thousands who descended upon the Colorado Convention Center on Sunday, May 14, when an estimated 1,347 graduates received their diplomas from Metro State, the largest graduating class in the College’s 40-year history.

Daniel Valdez and El Centro Su Teatro performed "Seven Generations" to honor the displaced Aurarians.

To mark the occasion, “Seven Generations” from the musical “Westside Oratorio” was performed by international artist Daniel Valdez and the singers of El Centro Su Teatro during the processional, rather than the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance,” which instead was played during the recessional. “Seven Generations” pays tribute to those who lived where the Auraria campus sits today.

Speaking to the graduates, Metro State President Stephen Jordan said, "Graduation is among the most special of days in the life of a college and its students. You, the graduating class, have worked long and hard to reach this day, you’ve faced many challenges and perhaps weathered storms along the way. You have distinguished yourselves in many compelling ways, which leads me to believe that you will all make great contributions as new leaders within your respective communities." 

President Stephen Jordan shook more than 1,300 hands at the record-setting commencement ceremony.

Former U.S. Interior Secretary Gale Norton delivered the keynote address and reminded graduates that they will enter a workforce in a world that, because of the Internet and the emerging economies of countries such as China and India, is more interconnected and competitive than ever before.

“To be competitive, we need more sophisticated skills,” she said. “The success of a nation is built on the success of individuals. Through your educational efforts, you’ll become better equipped to help yourselves, your families and your nation succeed and prosper.”

President's Award winner Samantha Kalinowksi challenged her classmates to use their knowledge in ways that empower others.

Psychology major Samantha Kalinowski, whose individualized minor is in community action and social change, was honored with the President’s Award for her extensive volunteer and community work. A volunteer for the National Triad and World Vision, she has packed necessities for victims of the 2005 tsunami, assisted elderly victims of crime and tutored other students—all while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.

Kalinowski challenged the members of the Class of 2006 to use their knowledge responsibly, and in ways that empower others. “We must use our knowledge to challenge our leaders and society when we feel that their actions are unjust and destructive,” she said.

For more photos from the Spring 2006 Commencement ceremony click here.

To view the Spring 2006 Commencement ceremony Webcast, click here.