Photos: 2016 Commencement Weekend

“We are passing along to you a world in a state of top-to-bottom transition. The world needs you; your country needs you,” PBS NewsHour co-anchor Judy Woodruff Judy Woodruff (third from right) said to graduating students at the morning commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Tsongas Center.

A record 3,720 students graduated from UMass Lowell between both ceremonies. See the slideshow below for more photos. (All photos by George DeLuca/Connector)

Note: Hover over any slide to see a caption:

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Lowell resident and biology major Shivam Dipakbhai Patel of the UMass Lowell Kennedy College of Sciences is a recipient of the Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Academic Achievement at the Commencement Eve Celebration on Friday, May 13, 2016.

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UMass President Marty Meehan (far left) shares a light moment with UMass Lowell professor and best-selling author Andre Dubus III (middle left), Academy Award-winning actor Chris Cooper (middle right), and his wife, author and actress Marianne Leone (far right).

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Chancellor Jacquie Moloney addresses thousands of graduates and spectators at UMass Lowell's morning commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 14 at the Tsongas Center.

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Many students opted to design their caps for this year's commencement ceremony.

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Candidates for master's degrees in the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences wait for their chance to cross the stage.

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Marty Meehan makes his first UMass Lowell commencement address as president of the UMass system. He served as chancellor of UMass Lowell from 2007 to 2015.

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One of UMass Lowell's newest alumni holds their diploma case in celebration.

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Marcelle Durrenburger and her mother, Jocelyne (not pictured), became the first mother and daughter selected as student speakers at Commencement. Jocelyne received a doctor of nursing practice degree while her daughter, who is one in a set of triplets, received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

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Senior class president Christopher Nunez receives his degree.

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Keynote speaker and Boston Pops conductor urged graduates to "live creatively" and continue learning throughout their lives during the afternoon commencement ceremony.