AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – It is a weekend of graduations throughout the area, and the largest one in western Massachusetts was held at UMass Amherst.
Protests prompt security measures for UMass Amherst commencement Saturday was the 154th UMass Amherst Undergraduate Commencement ceremony, where the University conferred degrees to around 6,800 undergraduate students at an anticipated gathering of more than 20,000.
Students have been moving out of campus the past few days, and for the graduating seniors and all of the doctoral, masters, and education specialist degree candidates, Saturday is the special day that all of their hard work has led up to.
“I feel like these last four years have absolutely flown by and I cannot believe we’re standing here today, and I’m so excited,” expressed Arya, a UMass Amherst graduating Senior.
For many of the students, this was a new experience because four years ago when they should have been at their high school graduations, COVID-19 had other plans.
“I didn’t get a high school graduation,” said UMass Amherst graduating Senior, Allison, “So being here today doesn’t really feel real, but I’m super excited.”
Another group of Seniors graduating from UMass Amherst, Sam, Hannah, and Cara told 22News, “I’m just looking forward to celebrating with everyone one last time, I think. Happy to move on but sad this chapter is kind of closing. The real world is coming up, we all have plans after this, but it’s just going to be sad to leave all of our best friends and this beautiful campus. I think.”
A spokesperson with UMass said in a statement, “As it does each year, UMass Amherst will have security precautions in place for commencement events and will be prepared to address disruptive behavior if it occurs.” In response to many pro-Palestinian protests across university and college campuses, some schools have canceled their larger commencement ceremonies, but not UMass.
It was an exciting day for thousands of students and families, but UMass graduation does come at a time where commencement ceremonies have been disrupted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, and here is no different.
As soon as UMass Chancellor Javier Reyes took the podium and was about to speak, a few dozen demonstrators walked out in protest. The students were quickly meant with some applause, and some disdain. Chancellor Reyes waited the demonstration out, and then spoke about his and the Universities commitment to free speech.
All in all it ended up being a celebratory and peaceful day under nice weather with memories being made for both students and their families alike. Parents, grandparents, friends, and even older brothers, sharing that Saturday is a big day worthy of some celebration.
Ryan Nesta, the older brother of UMass Graduate Allison Nesta told 22News, “We’re all really proud of her. She’s been working really hard to graduate. I think she’s really excited for this day, her and her friends are going to have a great time tonight.”
The ceremony will officially kicked off at 10 a.m. at McGuirk Alumni Stadium. And, for all 6,800 students it is now time to trade in the cap and gown for whatever lies ahead.
Local News
Heath Kalb is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since 2022. Follow Heath on X @HeathKalb and view his bio to see more of his work.
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