Students in the crowd take a moment to chat with friends or reflect on what lies ahead.

The tiniest Skyhawk!

Mortarboards become billboards for students to show their pride.

Jordan Brumley, Ian Lowell, and Frank “Tripper” Atherton wait outside Whalen Gymnasium for the ceremony to begin.

Trustee Steven Short, Trustee John Wells, Senator Mark Udall, President Dene Kay Thomas, Provost Barb Morris, Trustee Heidi Baskfield, ASFLC President Natalie Janes, Dean of the School of Business Administration Doug Lyon, and Dean of the School of Natural Behavioral Sciences Maureen Brandon.

Tawnie Knight, the 2010-11 Miss Hozhoni, poses with a friend.

Some students are lucky enough to have entire cheering sections!

The processional is played by the Westwind Pipes and Drums, led by Pipe Major and Physics & Engineering Professor Gerald Crawford.

President Dene Kay Thomas addresses the audience.

Durango local Matt Morris, the 2010-11 RMAC All-Academic Men’s Basketball Player of the Year, stands with his proud parents.

Provost Barb Morris and President Dene Kay Thomas get high fives from students lining the “gauntlet.”

Native American students participate in a drum circle as part of the Commencement ceremony.

One student shows an impressive tribute to Alaska and her father in a specially decorated three-dimensional mortarboard cap.

U.S. Senator Mark Udall delivers the Commencement address, urging the graduates to take risks and go on adventures.

Majel Boxer, Assistant Professor of Native American and Indigenous Studies, with new graduate Charmayne Yazzie-Washburn.

The Smith brothers are creating a true Fort Lewis College tradition: (l-r) Sam will start as a freshman this fall, Matt will be a senior next year, and Ben graduated today.

Graduating students who have studied abroad wear sashes representing their host countries.

Graduates accessorize their black gowns with shoes that define them.

And caps are thrown!

An overview of a full Whalen Gymnasium during the second ceremony.

Natalie Janes, President of the Associated Students of Fort Lewis College, speaks to her fellow graduates.

Faculty members stand in line to congratulate students as they leave Whalen Gymnasium.

More custom décor!

Student Marshall Frank “Tripper” Atherton gets a festive reception from his family.

Graduating students who have studied abroad wear sashes representing their host countries.