Class of 2017

Meaningful connections with faculty and industry experts helped the Rochester graduate find her niche in the field of optics.

The Albany, New York native is the first Rochester student or alumnus to receive this fellowship, which supports outstanding individuals interested in careers in foreign service.

The four 2017 graduates on Team Meliora are days away from learning if their project to build refugee housing from recycled plastic bricks will go from wildcard winner to finalist in the Hult Prize.

Mitchell Gruber gets a peck on the cheek from uncle Alan Gruber ’80 after receiving his doctoral degree in history. (University photo / J. Adam Fenster)

Members of the Class of 2017 pen messages to thank their loved ones for their support.

One of the newer Senior Week traditions is cap decorating in Hirst Lounge. Stickers, glue, glitter and other crafty supplies are provided by Wilson Commons Student Activities; students add creativity, sentimentality, and humor to taste.

Through the Program of Dance and Movement, Caitlyn Gilmore ’17 says "I was able to explore this creative side that I had previously left untouched."

A university can acquire (and abandon) a lot of traditions over 150-plus years. “Tradition guru” University archivist Melissa Mead takes us on a little tour of some of our quirky graduation traditions—then and now.

The last time our entire class came together was in August of our freshman year for convocation. Now, four years later, we will all come together one last time in May for our commencement.

How many gallons of coffee does it take to product a commencement ceremony? Here are some of the ways that campus prepares for the Class of 2017.