Nearly 1,500 graduate degrees were conferred during the 2020-21 academic year, marking a monumental accomplishment for UCI graduates and their families.

In a year of such uncertainty, tragedy, loss, and adversity, UCI graduate students rose to the challenge. But maybe most importantly, limited family and friends (2 guests) were allowed to be at the Bren Events Center for priceless onstage moments during Sunday’s Graduate Hooding Stage Moments, which took place from 4-7 pm PT. While it certainly didn’t take the place of the full in person ceremony, graduates were able to walk the stage and be hooded. This was something that was sorely missed last year due to the global pandemic.

“This year’s ceremony was unique, but almost fittingly so,” said Vice Provost for Graduate Education Gillian Hayes. “These graduates have navigated challenges no scholar has ever had to deal with before. While the rest of the world was trying to stay afloat amid a global pandemic, social injustice, and other treacherous obstacles, UCI graduate students pushed through. This has been an inspiration for all of us.”

In addition to the on-stage moments, graduate students took part in a virtual Graduate Hooding Reception on Saturday.

The graduate degree breakdown for the 2020-21 academic year is below:

• Master’s degrees: 845
• Doctoral degrees: 289
• Law degrees: 220 (conferred May 8)
• Medical degrees: 105 (conferred June 5)

Stories of outstanding UCI graduates are available at the #IamUCI special report site: https://specialreports.news.uci.edu/iamuci.