UC Celebrates Class of December 2014, Honors Civil Rights Pioneer; Microsoft Executive

Two men known as a trail blazers offered words of encouragement to the University of Cincinnati's latest class of graduates as they forge new paths in their own lives.

Andrew J. Young

, a visionary politician who fought segregation alongside Martin Luther King Jr., gave the commencement address at UC's Undergraduate All-University Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 13 at Fifth Third Arena. At the Hooding and Master's Recognition Ceremony the day before, retired Microsoft COO and author

Robert Herbold

addressed UC graduates receiving advanced degrees.

Young, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Herbold, who worked more than 25 years as a Procter & Gamble executive, were also given honorary doctorates, the university's highest honor.

Young told the students on Saturday, "Take 'We Shall Overcome' with you, and you shall overcome," a reference to the Civil Rights Movement anthem

composed by Cincinnatian Louise Shropshire

.

In his speech on Friday, Herbold told graduates to take a couple of days to rejoice, then get to work -- warning them not to get caught up too much in their own success and to remain adaptable to change.

The class of December 2014 featured 2,083 students eligible to graduate. UC bestowed 159 associate degrees, 1,103 bachelor's degrees, 742 master's degrees, 93 doctoral degrees and six professional degrees for a total of 2,103 (some students earn multiple degrees) during Fall Commencement ceremonies.

UC President Santa J. Ono welcomed graduates at both ceremonies. In his remarks to undergraduates, he reminded the students that though their degrees are now complete, they always will be welcome members of the Bearcats family.

As many of these graduates step off campus and into their careers, their new UC degree will be a big help. Data collected by UC’s

Career Development Center

in its spring 2013 Destination Report for bachelor’s degree students show that UC graduates transition well into the workforce.

• UC bachelor's degree graduates’ average starting salary was $45,511.
• 79 percent accepted a position related to their field of study.
• 62 percent participated in a co-op or internship before graduating.
• 75 percent who participated in a co-op or internship have full-time jobs after graduating.
• 80 Fortune 500 companies hired UC graduates.

COMMENCEMENT BY THE NUMBERS

Take

a statistical look

at UC’s class of December 2014 online.

SPECIAL HONOREES

The University of Cincinnati bestowed three honorary doctorates, its highest award, and one President's Award for Excellence during Fall Commencement ceremonies Dec. 12-13.

Read the recipients' stories

online.