Congratulations, Class of 2014!

There was plenty of joy on campus May 7 through 11, when the UIC community joined families and friends to celebrate the achievements of more than 7,500 graduating students.

Honorary degrees were awarded to Ertharin Cousin, UIC alumna and executive director of the U.N. World Food Programme, and Shing-Tung Yau, Harvard University professor and winner of the Fields Medal, the highest honor in mathematics.

Speakers like artist Theaster Gates, Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee, globe-circling pilot Barrington Irving and broadcast journalist Joy Reid urged the new grads to make a difference in the world.

Chicago public health commissioner Bechara Choucair also directed them to snap selfies with cellphone cameras to commemorate the moment and share their accomplishments.