UW Bothell Class of 2018 graduates more than 2200

15,000 guests expected for UW Bothell graduation

The University of Washington Bothell Class of 2018 is the largest in its history, with more than 2,200 graduates receiving their diplomas. The commencement ceremony will be held June 10 at Safeco Field.

The graduating class includes 1,954 students receiving their bachelor’s degree and 302 receiving their master’s. In addition, 23 new teachers are receiving their certification. This class is nearly 300 students larger than last year’s, which had 1,959.

To accommodate their family members and friends, the 27th annual commencement is again being held in Seattle’s Major League Baseball stadium. More than 15,000 people are expected in the stands to watch the graduates march across a stage on the infield. The crowd may also follow the pomp and circumstance on the giant Mariners Vision Board.

Graduates can draw inspiration from commencement speaker Mary Yu. The Washington Supreme Court Justice has a compelling personal story as well as a passion for social justice and public service, said Chancellor Wolf Yeigh.

In an additional ritual, graduate students receiving master’s degrees will be recognized in a hooding ceremony and reception June 9 at Mobius Hall on the UW Bothell / Cascadia College campus.

This year 858 of the UW Bothell graduates — 44 percent — are the first in their families to earn a four-year degree. There are 240 international students graduating, 92 from China. Graduates range in age from 17 to 67.

UW Bothell provides access to an exceptional University of Washington education to students in a campus environment that fosters student achievement. Offering more than 55 undergraduate and graduate degrees, options, certificates and concentrations, UW Bothell builds regional partnerships, inspires change, creates knowledge, shares discoveries and prepares students for leadership in the state of Washington and beyond.