Dear UNLV community, 

Next Tuesday and Wednesday, we’ll conclude the fall semester during commencement ceremonies at the Thomas & Mack Center. 

And while these are typically the most joyous days in the life of any university, our hearts will most assuredly be heavy at UNLV as we continue to mourn our lost colleagues and mentors, and as we continue to process our many emotions in the wake of Dec. 6’s tragedy on our campus. 

As I witnessed during Wednesday's campus vigil for Dr. Jerry Chang, Dr. Patricia Navarro Velez, and Dr. Naoko Takemaru, it’s in these moments of anguish that many of us have a desire to be together. That’s also been the sentiment that we have heard from many graduating students, and their parents and loved ones, and it’s one of the reasons we’ve decided to proceed with winter commencement this December. 

It is my hope that next week, and beyond, we will continue to honor the memories of those we lost by showcasing the realization of what they worked so hard for – and what drives all of our faculty and staff in their work every day – the success of UNLV’s students.

While we hope to see all of our graduates at next week’s ceremonies, we also recognize that trauma impacts each one of us in different ways. That’s why we’re offering students eligible for winter commencement the option to walk and participate fully during the May 2024 commencement ceremonies if they choose. 

For those joining us, there are a few updates we want you to be aware of. Most importantly, we’re enhancing security measures at the Thomas & Mack Center in coordination with law enforcement. We’re opening doors to the venue for graduates and guests 90 minutes prior to each ceremony to allow for necessary screening, and the venue’s bag policy will be in effect. 

We’ll also be offering mental health counseling and wellness resources on site prior to and during each ceremony for anyone who needs them. I continue to encourage everyone to utilize available resources listed on our UNLV Strong website, and please ask for help if you need it. 

As a university, and as individuals, we’re just beginning our journey of recovery. But one thing this moment of darkness has revealed for so many is the brightness that has come from our friends, our colleagues, and our vast community of supporters.  

I have personally witnessed overwhelming kindness and generosity. I have seen caring and love. And I have seen hope. And there’s no greater signal of hope for a university than the vision of our graduates crossing the finish line at commencement. 
 
Our winter graduates have endured so much, more than anyone could have imagined, to make it to this milestone moment in their lives. I look forward to being there to congratulate them. 

Please join me in congratulating the UNLV graduating class of 2023. 

Sincerely,

Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.
President