"Graduates, this is your day, and I salute your accomplishments."
In his first commencement as UNLV's top administrator, President Len Jessup welcomed more than 2,700 graduates to the Class of 2015 on Saturday in front of a packed crowd at the Thomas & Mack Center.
The message to students at each of two ceremonies was one of optimism and encouragement as they launch or continue careers in an improving economy. "This day represents the culmination of thousands of hours of hard work and is a celebration of student accomplishment," said Jessup.
The graduating class includes students from 38 states and many foreign countries but is overwhelmingly Nevadan -- 85 percent hail from the Silver State.
Among the native Nevadans was commencement speaker Jessica Recarey. Recarey, a graduate of Henderson's Silverado High School and member of UNLV's Honors College, is a first generation Cuban American and the first in her family to graduate from college.
"My parents risked everything when they came to Las Vegas from Cuba over 20 years ago," Recarey said. "Regardless of the adversity they faced, they taught me the one thing that matters is education. I can finally say I am a first generation college graduate."
Recarey will teach middle school math in the Clark County School District this fall as part of Teach for America while starting a master's program in the College of Education.
President Jessup continued a campus tradition by honoring five graduating students who were nominated by campus and community members for their outstanding academic and community achievements. The highlighted grads included a future doctor, a celebrated vocalist, a mental health counselor and two budding business leaders.
Kevin Page, chair of the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents, recognized the achievements of the Class of 2015 and challenged graduates to innovate, educate and be the change they want to see. "Our state needs you to be the next generation of leaders to see us grow even more," Page said. "As you've adapted and grown during your college years, you are now in the position to find the inspired path that will have the greatest impact on you, your community and the world around you."
Longtime UNLV supporter and gaming industry leader Diana Bennett was presented with an honorary doctorate for her career achievement and commitment to higher education. The Bennett Family Foundation has contributed more than $10 million over the years to UNLV to support the growth of academic, capital and athletic programs, including a recent $1 million gift for scholarships and related programming at the university's Honors College.
Jessup and Page also presented Distinguished Nevadan awards to Anthony and Diane Pollard and James Bilbray during the morning ceremony, and to Robert and Sandra Ellis and Gus "Billy" Flangas during the afternoon ceremony.
The job market for new grads continues to improve as Nevada and the nation creep out of the Great Recession. Employers are hiring close to 10 percent more new college grads than they were a year ago, according to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
That's good news for a graduating class that is 15 percent larger than last year. Graduates range in age from 19 to 68, with 48 percent from minority populations. Since 1964, UNLV has awarded more than 115,000 degrees.
