SE Valley Times

Thousands of Arizona State University graduates gathered for commencement ceremonies on Monday, where they were encouraged to address societal inequities and divisions. ASU President Michael Crow delivered this message during both the graduate ceremony at Desert Financial Arena and the undergraduate ceremony at Mountain America Stadium.

This fall, approximately 11,300 students graduated from ASU, with about two-thirds earning undergraduate degrees. More than half of these graduates completed their studies through ASU Online, including over 1,000 participants in the Starbucks College Achievement Plan.

At the undergraduate commencement, Crow highlighted income disparities contributing to social inequity. He stated that "there's not a single negative number in the top third of family incomes," while noting significant challenges faced by those in lower income brackets. He urged graduates to work towards making the country "better, stronger, quicker, more just."

During the morning's graduate commencement, Crow emphasized the importance of democracy and encouraged graduates to engage actively in its progress. "You have an assignment," he said. "You're in the middle of one of the most significant experiments in human history — our democracy."

Nirav Shah led the gonfalon processional at the graduate ceremony attended by 3,675 students. Among them was Linhsey Trinh, an outstanding graduate in forensic psychology who earned her degree online while serving as a police officer.

Crow also reminded both groups to appreciate taxpayer contributions that support education. "People working at McDonald’s are paying taxes for you to be able to be here," he remarked.

Cecilia Mata from the Arizona Board of Regents shared her personal journey from being a first-generation college student in Panama to her current role. She underscored higher education's power to enable individuals to forge their own paths.