University of Northern Colorado graduation cut short by wind

Click to Enlarge UNC graduate Afolake M. Awolaja, right, covers herself from the high winds Saturday at UNC’s graduation ceremony in Greeley. Originally from Nigeria, Awolaja graduated with a bachelor of science in nursing. JULIE LEVY / gtphoto@greeleytribune.com Browse Our Galleries

Andrew Villegas, (Bio) avillegas@greeleytribune.com
May 11, 2008

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Click to Enlarge Amy Benton, left, poses for a photo after she received her associate’s degree in liberal arts from Aims Community College on Saturday at the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley. Julie Levy / gtphoto@greeleytribune.com Browse Our Galleries

Many graduates at the University of Northern Colorado's Spring Commencement lost their mortar board hats Saturday, but most of them weren't throwing them in the air in celebration.

The wind -- with gusts up to 40 mph -- simply took them clean off their heads.

UNC officials had to cut short the commencement ceremonies Saturday morning after winds sent about 1,500 graduates, UNC President Kay Norton and Colorado's First Lady Jeannie Ritter seeking cover. After announcing the names of about 200 graduates, Norton told everyone to stand. After conferring degrees on all the students standing, Norton and many of the thousands in attendance at the commencement quickly flooded off Nottingham Field and into cars to shelter themselves from the wind.

Saturday's graduating class was UNC's 117th. It started in 1891 with 12 graduates as the State Normal School.

Ritter delivered the commencement address before the wind got too bad. She told graduates that though technology will define their lives, that they should not forget about the personal relationships that make life worth living.

"Open up -- cast your nets as wide as you can," Ritter told the students. "Every so often send that text message (to those you care about) that says, 'I'm thinking of you.' "