If UNLV Commencement Committee chair Sam Fugazzotto is the “Jack of all Trades” behind the scenes then Valarie Burke is "Bearer of the Rebel Spirit." It’s not just her positive attitude that helps her power her way through preparations; it’s also an enthusiastic readiness to collaborate.

Burke is a triple alumna — bachelor’s in psychology in 2004, a master’s in educational leadership in 2009, and a Ph.D. in sociology in 2019. Prior to becoming assistant dean of Graduate Student Services, she was a senior academic advisor in the College of Liberal Arts for seven years and a student academic integration coordinator for the vice provost of Academic Affairs.

With all that experience working in student-facing roles, joining fellow faculty and staff to work behind the scenes of Commencement was a no-brainer.

"Valarie turns the complex logistics of graduate Commencement into a seamless, student-centered experience. Her leadership is the reason our graduates and their families feel seen, supported, and celebrated," says Alyssa Crittenden, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate College. "She brings joy to every aspect of commencement. Her commitment to creating a meaningful experience reminds all of us why we do this work — to honor student achievement with heart and purpose."

Burke first began volunteering as part of the Commencement Seating Committee in 2006 and then joined the full UNLV Commencement Committee in 2014, shortly after accepting her new role in UNLV’s Graduate College.

“No matter what my full-time job has been at UNLV, I have always been a part of Commencement,” says Burke. “I’m a problem-solver, and I have a lot of energy, and these two characteristics help greatly during such a large event as Commencement. I want to make sure everyone has the best experience.”

Burke has a hand in all six of UNLV's ceremonies: one graduate and two undergraduate ceremonies in both the fall and spring semesters.

Burke works alongside Registrar Sam Fugazzotto for all of them. The hardworking duo also host  rehearsals to iron out any last-minute issues and deliver instructions to students, faculty, volunteers, and dignitaries on the stage so that everyone is on the same page for the live event.

“It’s extremely important to get the timing perfect, so students’ names are called as they are hooded, and the camera displays the student on the live feed,” she says.

The average person’s head might start spinning if they caught a peek of only a checklist for Commencement preparations. Burke's to do's include:

• Set up check-in tables for master and certificate students to pick up their name cards in Cox Pavilion
• Complete a run-through with the name readers, name card handlers, and sign holders
• Set up the diploma holders and lucky coins on a table by the stage
• Assist the Graduate College staff with the rehearsal, procession, seating, stage lineup, calling of names, doctoral hooding, and the exit off stage
• Set up a table in the tunnel, where the doctoral candidates will check in
• Line up the candidates with their hooding faculty members to procession in first

Luckily, Burke doesn’t have to tackle all of it alone. “We have over 70 faculty, staff, and students sign up to help with all of the various, much-needed roles to execute this amazing event — in addition to the fabulous Thomas & Mack staff.”

Rebels Make It Happen (No Matter What!)

An unthinkable ceremony mishap to one person is an easy fix for the experienced Burke. She says that her daily duties in the Graduate College have prepared her for the unexpected. Most challenges are met with a calm and steady hand, like a ship captain who takes the helm during a tumultuous storm. 

“The goal is to solve the problem quickly and not make it a big deal,” she says.

A student forgot their tam or tassel after arriving at Thomas & Mack? “No worries,” says Burke. “We bring extra along with an emergency kit that includes safety pins, Band-Aids, extra name cards, and pens.”

The faculty marshals scheduled to carry the flag have an emergency 30 minutes before showtime? “No problem,” says Burke. "We have so many amazing faculty willing to help.”

Even having the wrong Commencement programs set out on the seats isn’t enough to induce panic in Burke. In fact, the only real issue she encounters is her sore feet after hours of running between the Thomas & Mack Center, where the ceremony is held, and Cox Pavilion, where the graduates line up for the processional.

And, for that, the solution, again, is rather simple: She slips on a comfy pair of sneakers.

While it may sound like a lot of work, Burke shares a similar sentiment to committee chair Fugazzotto. At the end of the day, it’s all worth it because of the students.

“When students are lining up to cross the stage, they are a little nervous, but it all subsides when they hear their name and cross the stage," she says. "You see those bright smiles, the bounce in their step, and the crowd cheering — I’m fortunate to play a part in their special day, one they will probably remember forever.”

After years at UNLV as a student and staff member, Burke doesn’t expect to quit being involved in Commencement anytime soon. In fact, she serves on over a dozen campus committees.

“I have been at UNLV for 20 years,” says Burke. “And it’s because of my colleagues, the leadership, the students, and the amazing community. My alarm goes off very early every morning (I never snooze), and I hop out of bed excited for the day and all it brings.”

It's Greek to Me: A Tradition Rooted in Ancient History

In 2022, master's and doctoral students got their own commencement, separate from the ceremonies for undergrduates. And that gave rise to one of Valarie Burke's favorite traditions: the coin drop.

Most are familiar with the robes worn at graduation ceremonies, a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages when ceremonies often took place in drafty churches or cathedrals. Because many ancient scholars were part of the clergy, their clerical robes became the origin for what graduates wear today.

However, a lesser known tradition for UNLV's Graduate College dates back even further — to ancient Greece. Students used to drop a coin in the hood of their educators as a secret form of payment. At UNLV, the tradition is now flipped, and it’s the educators who drop a lucky coin in the hood of graduates.

The keepsake is a nod to to Las Vegas' gaming history, but don't try to use them at the poker table!