Brichee Carmon was one of the 425 undergraduate students from Utica University who was able to walk across the stage at the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium on Thursday, as the university's 74th undergraduate commencement took place.

As is Utica University tradition, bagpipes are played at the beginning of the undergraduate commencement ceremony to bring out the university's administration and faculty before welcoming in the graduating class.

Leonore Fleming, associate professor of philosophy and president of AAUP-Utica/AFT 6786, is joined in solidarity with many university faculty members to celebrate their students' achievements during the undergraduate commencement ceremony, as well as reminding the administration that it has been 100 days since the faculty has been working without a contract.

Students look around to see the crowd of people in attendance as they walk to their seats during Utica University's 74th undergraduate commencement.

Among the sea of graduation caps at Utica University's 74th undergraduate commencement ceremony, many of them showed messages of inspiration and determination, even some tongue-in-cheek statements like "Finally done with this B.S. (bachelor of science)"

A student's cap reminds her fellow soon to be alumni to "hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you."

Laura Casamento, retiring president of Utica University, delivered her final undergraduate speech to the class of 2023, as she will be retiring this August. Todd Pfannestiel, the university's provost, will be taking her place as president upon her departure.

Students take the opportunity to capture selfies during Utica University's 74th undergraduate commencement ceremony.

Students stand and look on as Utica University's 74th undergraduate commencement ceremony takes place.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sanky was the keynote speaker at Utica University's 74th undergraduate commencement ceremony. Sanky is a native to upstate New York and began his career working for Utica University as director of intramural sports

In addition to being the Utica University 74th undergraduate commencement keynote speaker, SEC Commissioner Greg Sanky was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by the university.

Mary Siniscarco, associate professor of health studies, was joined by Utica University President Laura Casamento and Provost Todd Pfannestiel, as she was awarded the 49th Dr. Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award, a recognition for outstanding teaching effectiveness.

Students were all smiles as they were finally able to walk across the stage and received their degree holders.

Upon leaving the Utica University 74th undergraduate commencement ceremony, the students, now alumni, could be seen gathered around the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium and carpooled back to campus one final time.