University of Arizona’s President Suresh Garimella celebrated the graduation of about 10,000 students at the university’s 162nd Commencement. Held at Casino Del Sol Stadium, the event was packed with graduates and loved ones.
Garimella shared an inspiring message: graduation marks not just an end but a beginning. “Success is a personal journey,” he said, reminding the Class of 2026 that learning never ends.
He wasn’t alone on stage. Key figures like Regent Cecilia Mata and Chief Academic Officer Patricia Prelock also spoke, offering their thoughts on the importance of resilience and compassion. Cisco Aguilar, a three-time alumnus and now Nevada’s Secretary of State, received the Alumni Achievement Award. He emphasized the value of friendships and critical thinking gained at the university, urging graduates to take a piece of Tucson’s spirit wherever they go.
Prelock, making her debut at a U of A Commencement, encouraged students to embrace their unique leadership skills. In a memorable moment, she performed a simple magic trick to illustrate how minds can transform through knowledge.
Seven outstanding seniors were recognized for their achievements, alongside four honorary degree recipients.
The keynote speaker, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, reflected on how far technology has come. He recalled being celebrated as an innovator but acknowledged that the digital world can also foster division. “We thought we were building a place for good, but reality turned out to be more complicated,” he said.
Looking ahead, Schmidt highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence. He urged graduates to engage with AI, noting that their decisions will shape the future. “The question isn’t whether AI will shape the world; it will. The question is, will you help shape AI?” he asked.
Schmidt also praised the research at U of A’s Steward Observatory, which is developing advanced telescopes. As AI evolves, he reminded the graduates to cherish their human qualities: judgment, conscience, and morality. “Protect what makes you human,” he stressed, encouraging thoughtful decision-making in their future endeavors.
This graduation marks a significant step not just for students but for the future they will help create, illustrating how education and innovation are interlinked.
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