UC Irvine sends off its graduates at Angels Stadium

People were cheering in the seats of Angels Stadium on a sunny and warm Wednesday afternoon, but it wasn’t for the stadium’s eponymous team. It was for UC Irvine’s graduating Class of 2022.

About 4,500 students were in attendance, according to campus officials, for what was the first campus-wide commencement ceremony the university has held since 2014. Students wore leis and stoles, some carrying along hand fans and water bottles to beat the heat as they took their seats on the stadium field.

Three graduates cheer during the UC Irvine graduation ceremony at Angel Stadium.

(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

More than 8,000 bachelor’s degrees have been conferred to students this year, with the university having held its academic school-specific ceremonies earlier this month at the Bren Events Center.

The university noted that at least 43% of its undergraduates receiving a degree this year were first-generation college students.

Mira Celzo tosses her cap in front of Angel Stadium following the UC Irvine commencement ceremony.

(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

“This amazing graduating class will forever be remembered as one of the most resilient and responsive and determined classes that we have ever had the privilege of knowing,” said Chancellor Howard Gillman. “Graduates, just consider your journey. All of those years of dreaming, aspiring, planning. So many long days and late nights.

“The incredible adjustments you had to make just to keep going? An epic journey, a very high mountain top to climb and here you are. Take a moment to appreciate the magnitude of your accomplishments.”

The university invited Yusef Salaam — one of the “Central Park Five,” who was exonerated in December 2002 — to speak.

Dr. Yusef Salaam gives a speech during the UC Irvine commencement ceremony at Angel Stadium on Wednesday.

(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

Salaam spoke of the case and his time incarcerated, stressing students needed to remember who they are and what they could be.

“This journey is not yet over. The most important thing in your life is that dash between your birth and your death. Do not leave this world without a trace. Let the world know you were here ... because when I found myself in that dark space, I had to find the light in that darkness,” said Salaam. “And I found that oftentimes, that light is inside you and you get the opportunity to illuminate your own darkness and shine your light on the world.”

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