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Congrats, Graduates!

After years of dedication to their studies — full of reading assignments, lab reports, papers and long study sessions — Winter Commencement on Dec. 11 was an opportunity for graduating Tar Heels to relish in their achievements and celebrate all the work it took to earn a degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

A day of celebration

Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz presided over the ceremony, which celebrated the graduation of 629 undergraduates and 791 graduate and professional students.

With advice and assurance from University leaders and keynote speaker Daniel Wallace, the graduates officially joined a family of more than 356,000 fellow UNC-Chapel Hill alumni.

Students tossing graduation caps into the air.

“As you step beyond the low stone walls of our great University, I hope that you carry the confidence of knowing this place believes in you and will always be a home when you need it. … It will take time to make a difference, to create something important. Take that time. Don’t rush it. I know you will make a difference because you are built for meaningful things.”

Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz

The chancellor shakes hands with a graduate.

‘What’s next for me? How is it all going to turn out?’ That’s the mystery — no one knows. I can’t help you with that, but perhaps you want some advice. … Kindness and curiosity, thoughtfulness and creativity — attributes which may seem charming but childish in the dog-eat-dog world you imagine yourself about to enter — are, in fact, the not-so-secret weapons of all of us who are playing the long game.

Daniel Wallace, Winter Commencement speaker

Daniel Wallace speaking at the podium.

Winter Commencement Coverage

  • Graduates pose for a selfie together.

    Meet the Class of 2022

    Nearly 1,500 Carolina students began a new chapter of their lives on Sunday as their degrees were conferred at Winter Commencement. Meet our graduates and learn more about their path to graduation.

  • A student cheering.

    Graduates celebrate achievements at Winter Commencement

    With the turn of their tassels at the end of the ceremony, the graduating Tar Heels joined a family of more than 356,000 Carolina alumni. Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz assured the graduates they were ready for whatever comes next — no matter how long it takes.

  • A graduate hugs their family.

    Rewatch Winter Commencement

    Whether you were in the Dean E. Smith Center on Sunday afternoon or celebrating from afar, you can relive the excitement and joy at commencement.unc.edu.