• Two first-generation students stand arm-in-arm before the beginning of their commencement ceremony.
  • Two first-generation students stand arm-in-arm before the beginning of their commencement ceremony.

    Almost 1,000 first-gen students crossed the stage at the Fall 2021 Commencement.

  • Commencement Speaker Wanda Smith makes grand gestures during her Commencement Address.
  • Commencement Speaker Wanda Smith makes grand gestures during her Commencement Address.

    Wanda Smith, SHSU alumna, delivered the Commencement Address. Wanda, who overcame numerous obstacles and persevered to earn her degree told Bearkats to ‘Keep Moving Forward.’

  • Graduates sitting in their chairs at commencement and smiling at the camera.
  • Graduates sitting in their chairs at commencement and smiling at the camera.

    Students from the College of Health Sciences celebrate their Master’s degrees.

  • A graduate and a loved one embrace in front of a camera outside of Johnson Coliseum.
  • A large family group photo with a graduate. Everyone in the family of 12 is wearing a shirt that says Finally Done on it.
  • A large family group photo with a graduate. Everyone in the family of 12 is wearing a shirt that says Finally Done on it.

    Commencement at Sam Houston State University is a family affair!

  • Courtney Malecek poses with her baby son and husband in her cap and gown outside of Johnson Coliseum.
  • Courtney Malecek poses with her baby son and husband in her cap and gown outside of Johnson Coliseum.

    Mom Courtney Malecek crossed the stage on Friday, Dec. 10 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Agriculture.

  • President Alisa White hands a degree tube to a graduate as he crosses the stage.
  • President Alisa White hands a degree tube to a graduate as he crosses the stage.

    President Alisa White confirmed more than 1,900 degrees at the Fall 2021 Commencement ceremonies.

  • Five graduates pose with big smiles for the camera before their commencement ceremony.
  • Five graduates pose with big smiles for the camera before their commencement ceremony.

    Graduates prepare to line up in the HKC for the ceremonial procession into the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.

  • A woman wearing graduation garb also wears a sash that says Mastered It!
  • Two graduates assist each other in putting on their graduation caps and gowns.
  • Two graduates assist each other in putting on their graduation caps and gowns.

    Master’s Degree candidates adjust their hoods during the Hooding Ceremony, which is a special recognition for graduates receiving a master’s degree or a Ph.D.

  • A first-generation graduate poses before his ceremony.
  • Professors enter the coliseum floor to begin the commencement ceremony.
  • Professors enter the coliseum floor to begin the commencement ceremony.

    The academic procession is part of the traditional ceremony in which university dignitaries march together wearing traditional academic dress.

  • The national anthem is sung as the flags are presented.
  • The national anthem is sung as the flags are presented.

    Dr. Deborah Popham performs The Star Spangled Banner at Commencement.

  • President Alisa White delivers an address to graduates and their families.
  • President Alisa White delivers an address to graduates and their families.

    President Alisa White welcomes graduates, honored guests, faculty, staff and alumni to Commencement.

  • A hood is placed upon a doctoral student.
  • A hood is placed upon a doctoral student.

    Chotika Kaewkaemket receives her doctoral hood from Dr. Debra Price and College of Education Dean Stacy Edmonson.

  • Graduates grab the tassels on their caps in preparation to turn them to the opposite side.
  • Graduates grab the tassels on their caps in preparation to turn them to the opposite side.

    The turning of the tassel signifies that the wearer has passed from one level of learning to another.

  • A mortarboard containing family photos and a quote that states, I'm standing here today because you helped me find my way.
  • A graduate flashes the peace sign as he enters the coliseum.
  • SHSU ROTC Color Guard carrying the United States flag on the floor of the coliseum.
  • SHSU ROTC Color Guard carrying the United States flag on the floor of the coliseum.

    Posting of the colors by the SHSU ROTC Color Guard.

  • A graduate raises his hands in triumph and smiles at the audience after accepting his degree on stage.
  • A graduate raises his hands in triumph and smiles at the audience after accepting his degree on stage.

    Courtney Paulson and Hannah Zepeda earned their diplomas and were commissioned as U.S. Army officers at Saturday’s afternoon ceremony. Both became second lieutenants after taking the oath of office from LTC Joe Contreras, professor of Military Science.