Nearly 2,000 faculty and staff members, graduating seniors and their families, and special guests joined The University of Texas at Arlington in saying goodbye to the Mavericks Class of 2005 with the inaugural Commencement Convocation on May 13.

United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison delivered the keynote address—which produced three standing ovations—before a Texas-sized fireworks show lit up the night sky over Maverick Stadium.  The Combined University Band performed a collection of songs, including a rousing a cappella version of the UTA Alma Mater, and the Carlisle Cannon was ceremonially reintroduced as a special campus tradition.

The Commencement Convocation will become an annual spring event on campus.

Watch the video of the Ceremonies (Windows Media Player required to view)