Alumni

May 9, 2023 | Heather Borton - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Kicking Off New Beginnings: 2023 Commencement

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences honors 2,600 graduates at Gampel Pavilion

A graduate kicks foot in the air during commencement.

A graduate celebrates while walking across the floor during College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony one at Gampel Pavilion on May 7, 2023. (Bri Diaz/UConn Photo)

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences celebrated more than 2,600 graduates across three ceremonies at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on Sunday, May 7. From a special escort by Jonathan XIV, to a surprise visit from basketball great Ray Allen ’23 (BGS) — who walked with CLAS graduates at ceremony one — commencement day was one the Class of 2023 will never forget. 

A graduate smiles for photo while making the husky sign with hand.
Scenes from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony one at Gampel Pavilion on May 7, 2023. (Bri Diaz/UConn Photo)
A graduate shakes Jonathan XIV's paw.
Jonathan XIV at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony two in Gampel Pavilion on May 7, 2023. (Bri Diaz/UConn Photo)
Ray Allen gives peace sign while walking across floor during commencement.
Ray Allen ’23 (BGS) at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony one at Gampel Pavilion on May 7, 2023. (Bri Diaz/UConn Photo)
Students in full regalia move their tassels and pose for selfies during commencement.
Students become alumni as they move their tassels at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony two in Gampel Pavilion on May 7, 2023. (Bri Diaz/UConn Photo)
Talitha Washington stands behind the podium during commencement.
Dr. Talitha Washington, honorary degree recipient, delivers the commencement address at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) ceremony one at Gampel Pavilion on May 7, 2023. (Bri Diaz/UConn Photo)
Graduates embrace outside Gampel Pavilion.
Graduates embrace outside Gampel Pavilion following the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony one on May 7, 2023. (Bri Diaz/UConn Photo)
Extreme Measures a cappella group sings the national anthem during commencement.
The Extreme Measures a cappella group, featuring political science major Matthew Plourd ’23 (CLAS) and anthropology major Mary Ancona ’23 (CLAS), sing the National Anthem at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony three in Gampel Pavilion on May 7, 2023. (Bri Diaz/UConn Photo)
Graduation cap reads "You know I'm something of a scientist myself" with a photo of Spiderman.
A decorated graduation cap at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony three in Gampel Pavilion on May 7, 2023. (Bri Diaz/UConn Photo)
Nidhi Nair ’23 stands behind podium during commencement.
Nidhi Nair ’23 (CLAS), an economics major, delivers the student speech at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony one at Gampel Pavilion on May 7, 2023. (Bri Diaz/UConn Photo)
A student in full regalia gives two thumbs up.
Graduates process into Gampel Pavilion for College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony three in Gampel Pavilion on May 7, 2023. (Bri Diaz/UConn Photo)
Ofer Harel shakes a graduate's hand during commencement.
Ofer Harel, associate dean for research and graduate affairs, hands out a diploma at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony two in Gampel Pavilion on May 7, 2023. (Bri Diaz/UConn Photo)
Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa stands behind the podium while raising his fist in the air during commencement.
Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, honorary degree recipient, delivers the commencement address during the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony three in Gampel Pavilion on May 7, 2023. (Bri Diaz/UConn Photo)