The University of Arkansas held two Winter Commencement Ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 14 to celebrate more than 2,000 graduates of the 2024 summer and fall semesters.

Chancellor Charles Robinson delivered keynote remarks at the first ceremony, recognizing graduates from the Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences; the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Engineering; the School of Law; and interdisciplinary graduate students.

J. Bryan Hunt, Jr. was the keynote speaker for the second ceremony, recognizing graduates from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, the College of Education and Health Professions and the Sam M. Walton College of Business.

Chancellor Charles Robinson 

Robinson, the seventh chancellor of the U of A, shared with the graduating class his thoughts on “how to successfully navigate future pursuits” using the lyrics from the song “Bounce Back,” by Detroit rapper Big Sean.

Robinson encouraged the assembled graduates not to be deterred by losses: “The loss is simply an opportunity to learn the lessons that empower you to bounce back.”

Watch his speech here: https://youtu.be/qCIZ4YiuPjU?si=k7TTLLqfZ4GhWZ-J

J. Bryan Hunt Jr. 

Born in Little Rock to Johnelle Hunt and the late J.B. Hunt, founders of Lowell-based J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Bryan Hunt grew up in Northwest Arkansas and built a successful career along the way. 

His remarks reflected his family business’ strong ties to the U of A, noting that “In the history of J.B. Hunt, every president, CEO and chairman has been a graduate of the University of Arkansas. That’s how important this institution is to us.”

He also reiterated his father’s message about “People are important” and how important it is to listen and learn from the people around you, no matter their position. To that end, recently, Hunt, along with his sister Jane, made a planned signature gift of $100 million toward the newly created Land of Opportunity Scholarship, which was established to support undergraduate students from all 75 counties in Arkansas who exhibit strong academic ability and high financial need.

Watch his speech here: https://youtu.be/lIo0KUEkvy4?si=l1cT3z7_7_Ona2Tz

These speeches and both commencement ceremonies in their entirety are available on the University of Arkansas YouTube Channel in the videos and past live streams sections.

---

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.