DePaul University welcomed the Class of 2021 to the Graduation Celebration, an on-campus experience that took place May 19-28 on the Lincoln Park Campus.
More than 2,200 graduates and their guests visited the grounds, which had been decked out in graduation decor. Graduates were able to walk across a commencement stage; send gratitude notes to faculty and advisors; take selfies and family photos at a number of decorative sets; and go a bit wild in the 360-degree booth that simulated a balloon drop and showered them with confetti.
The Graduation Celebration was a memorable way to mark the end of one's academic journey and time at DePaul.
A graduate poses for her family under the Fullerton entrance gate to the Quad. (DePaul University/Victoria Simek)
As graduates crossed the commencement stage, they could pose for family photos before a DePaul-themed backdrop. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
DePaul President A. Gabriel Esteban, center, his wife, Josephine, left, and Provost Salma Ghanem applaud as graduates cross the commencement stage at the Graduation Celebration. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
A graduate shows off his diploma from the commencement stage. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
Dr. Esteban and his wife, Josephine, congratulate a graduate after he walked across the commencement stage. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
Provost Salma Ghanem writes a congratulatory message to the Class of 2021 on the Reflection Wall at the Graduation Celebration. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
Salma Ghanem and the Estebans congratulate a graduate who was shopping in the Barnes and Noble pop-up store, which featured a selection of DePaul merchandise. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
A graduate and her family pose for photos at one of the decorative sets at the Graduation Celebration. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
The 360-degree booth was a popular item with the graduates attending Graduation Celebration as they were showered with confetti in a simulated balloon drop. (DePaul University)
A graduate crossed the commencement stage with his best friend to mark the important accomplishment. (DePaul University)
Among the many touching moments at the Graduation Celebration was one graduate hooding a fellow graduate and family member. (DePaul University)
The steps on the south side of the Schmitt Academic Center were decked out to celebrate the Class of 2021. (DePaul University/Victoria Simek)
Graduates wrote notes of gratitude to their family, friends, faculy and advisors at the Gratitude Station. (DePaul University)
The Lincoln Park Campus was illuminated with DePaul colors after dusk, an eye-catching display for graduates and their families who visited after dark. (DePaul University/Victoria Simek)