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Congrats,
grads!

After years of hard work — whether it be class readings, group projects, papers, late nights studying or exams — graduating Tar Heels had the chance at Winter Commencement on Dec. 17 to celebrate their achievements and all that went into earning a degree during their time in Chapel Hill.

A day to celebrate

Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz presided over the ceremony, which recognized the 709 undergraduates and 747 graduate and professional students earning degrees.

As they joined the family of 360,000-plus UNC-Chapel Hill alumni, those 1,456 Tar Heels received guidance and votes of confidence from University leaders and Commencement keynote speaker Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody.

The top of a self-decorated graduation cap that reads,

“Your story is not over. You are still at the beginning, and we are marking the turning of the page to the next chapter. You have to keep reading to see where the story goes. And so, my advice to you is this: go for it. Make this next chapter an unexpected one. You don’t always know what the future is going to hold.”

Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz

Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz in regalia and giving a speech at a dais at Winter Commencement.

“I hope you take the founding principles of Carolina — Lux Libertas, light and liberty — out into the world to do good, to live a life that is filled with compassion and to deeply listen to the perspectives of others. Compassion and deep listening will help you build the bridges for a better tomorrow and will help to address some of the greatest challenges of our time. Make us proud and congratulations.”

Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody, Winter Commencement speaker

Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody in regalia and speaking at a dais at Winter Commencement.

Winter Commencement coverage

  • A graduate posing for a photo with family members at the Old Well on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on a rainy Sunday, the day of Winter Commencement. In the foreground is a man holding a Carolina Blue and white umbrella.

    Meet the graduates

    Over 1,400 Tar Heels began a new chapter on Sunday as degrees were conferred at Winter Commencement. Meet our graduates and learn about their journeys at Carolina and plans for the future.

  • A graduate blowing a kiss with her hand at Winter Commencement.

    Class of 2023 celebrates next chapter at Winter Commencement

    The Dec. 17 ceremony gave graduating Tar Heels a chance to reflect on their achievements, celebrate their hard work and think deeply about their future.

  • Distanced crowd shot of graduates and attendees at Winter Commencement at the Dean E. Smith Center.

    Rewatch winter commencement

    Whether you were in the Dean E. Smith Center on Sunday afternoon or celebrating from afar, you can relive the excitement and joy at commencement.unc.edu.

‘Go make us proud’

University leaders, faculty, family and friends all came to the Dean E. Smith Center on Dec. 17 to honor the newest Tar Heel alumni.

Press the play button to watch a video recap of Winter Commencement

In pictures

2023 Winter Commencement

Over 1,400 Tar Heels received degrees on Sunday at the Dean E. Smith as the University celebrated Winter Commencement. Check out some of the scenes from what was a joyous day for many students and their family and friends.

(Photos by Johnny Andrews and Jon Gardiner, University Communications)