UC Berkeley class of 2019 graduates

BERKELEY, Calif. - Years of hard work, all-nighters and stress for the moment to be recognized as the Class of 2019. Surrounded by thousands at Cal Memorial Stadium, UC Berkeley seniors turned their tassels and turned to the next chapter of their lives.

“It’s surreal, it’s weird to think these past four years have gone by so quickly,” said graduate Hannah Hill.

Commencement speaker Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America, spoke to the 5,800 seniors who have big plans for the future.

“My plans are to go to medical school so it’s a really good moment,” said graduate Kevin Godines.

It’s not just an exciting day for the graduates, but also for their biggest cheerleaders, “I am so proud of him,” said Kristina Tao who flew to California from Maryland to watch her son graduate.

Nothing could dampen the spirits at UC Berkeley, not even rain in the forecast. 

The exciting and well deserved day was just one of many ceremonies at the university. 80 other departmental ceremonies will take place over the next couple of weeks.