Group of BGSU graduates viewed from above — The Summer 2023 Commencement exercises were held on Aug. 5 on the Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle in front of University Hall. (BGSU photo/Haven Conn '22)

In Photos: Summer Commencement 2023

BGSU celebrates the achievement of its Summer 2023 graduates

The 307th Bowling Green State University Commencement welcomed a new generation of alumni during ceremonies on Aug. 5 as families, loved ones and supporters gathered to celebrate the graduates' accomplishments and the next steps in their lives.

University photographers Craig Bell, Justin Camuso-Stall '14, Haven Conn '22 and Luke Allen documented the culmination of the graduates' journey and the excitement for students and loved ones.

Graduates pass by the University Seal — Graduates line up to head to their Commencement ceremony, walking past the University Seal in the process. (BGSU photo/Haven Conn '22)

Graduate Alison Kaiser wears large Frieda Falcon shoes — Alison Kaiser, who portrayed Frieda Falcon, waves as she makes her way to the ceremony. (BGSU photo/Haven Conn '22).

BGSU graduate gets a hug — Master of Business Administration student Molly Jay Ondich of Parma gets a hug before Commencement. (BGSU photo/Haven Conn '22)

BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers takes a selfie with several graduates — BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers takes selfies with graduation candidates ahead of the Aug. 5 Commencement ceremony. (BGSU photo/Haven Conn '22)

In total, the Summer 2023 graduating class included 809 candidates, of which 26 were presented associate degrees, 386 were presented bachelor's degrees, 355 with master's degrees and 46 with doctoral degrees.

For the second time, BGSU offered a hooding ceremony for doctoral degree candidates on Aug. 4 in the Donnell Theater of the Wolfe Center for the Arts.

The Commencement ceremony for all associate, bachelor's and master's degree candidates took place at 9 a.m. on Aug. 5 outdoors on the Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle, west of University Hall.

BGSU graduates stand up — Graduates stand to be recognized during the Aug. 5 Commencement. (BGSU photo/Craig Bell)

BGSU graduate with long white hair looks at the stage — Commencement attendees look to the stage during the ceremony on the Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle. (BGSU photo/Luke Allen)

Bagpiper Kim Johnson leads the Commencement procession to the quadrangle. (BGSU photo/Haven Conn '22)

Honorary doctorate recipient Wiley Blevins — Author, educational consultant, and researcher Wiley Blevins '87 '23 (Hon.) makes remarks at the Aug. 5 Commencement after receiving an honorary doctorate. (BGSU photo/Craig Bell)

As an accomplished author and phonics specialist, Wiley Blevins ‘87, '23 (Hon.) has made an indelible impact on education, shaping literacy development and phonics instruction for readers and educators worldwide. In recognition of his distinguished career and global influence on reading, Blevins was awarded an honorary Doctor of Education degree from Bowling Green State University at Summer 2023 Commencement on Aug. 5.

Blevins credited BGSU with giving him the foundation that led to his renowned career in educational instruction.

“I had a dream to be the first in my family to go to college, and BGSU made that possible,” Blevins said. “It’s an honor to receive this distinguished recognition from the institution that helped shape me into the educator I am today.”

Crowd of family members attend Commencement — A sea of supporters filled the Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle to watch their students graduate. (BGSU photo/Craig Bell)

Four men hold up giant photos of their heads during graduation — Family and friends ensure their graduate can see their larger-than-life heads during Commencement. (BGSU photo/Craig Bell)

A woman smiles behind her hands as she spots her student — A family member is emotional upon spotting her graduate during Commencement. (BGSU photo/Craig Bell)

Graduate holds diploma cover and mortarboard — A graduate shows off her diploma cover and intricately decorated mortarboard. (BGSU photo/Craig Bell)

In their final sendoff messages, BGSU students showed their wit, creativity, humor and heart through decorated mortarboards. The colorful and sometimes intricate caps thanked family members and professors, spoke of their new professions and even got a little Looney Tunes. Here are some of the favorites captured by BGSU student photographer, Luke Allen.

Graduation cap says, "Women belong in all places where sports are being discussed"

Graduation cap says, "Future Dr. Raymond"

Graduation cap says “Holy cow, I graduated”

Graduation cap for a future teacher shows the alphabet and an apple

Graduation cap says “Remember the path to your dream is never easy, never straight, and always challenging. But with determination and hard work, you can go anywhere! - Caldwell"

Graduation cap says “Count it all - Joy, James 1:2"

Female graduate holds diploma cover near Schmidt Family Fountain — A graduate celebrates in front of the Schmidt Family Fountain on the Alumni Gateway plaza. (BGSU photo/Craig Bell).

Two graduates pose back to back in sunglasses — Two graduates get ready for their bright future by donning some shades. (BGSU photo/Haven Conn ’22)

Graduate in cap and gown kisses a family member while being hugged by another person — A family celebrates with their graduate after the Aug. 5 ceremony. (BGSU photo/Craig Bell)

BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers faces graduates — BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers addresses graduates during the Aug. 5 Commencement ceremony. (BGSU photo/Craig Bell)

In Photos: Summer Commencement 2023

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