A total of 4,482 James Madison University graduates basked in the glory of their hard work and discovery during the university’s annual Spring Commencement exercises May 9-11.

Main ceremonies took place in the Atlantic Union Bank Center, as honors flowed, cheers rose and caps flew.

A total of 3,953 degrees were conferred to undergraduates from the university’s eight academic colleges.

Additional honors were conferred at Thursday’s Honors College Medallion Ceremony, Friday’s Nursing Convocation, Friday’s Air Force ROTC Commissioning and Saturday’s Army ROTC Commissioning.

Onlookers packed the AUBC for Friday’s College of Business ceremony. Friday events included celebrations for the College of Arts and Letters, College of Education, University Studies, and the School of Professional and Continuing Education.

The three-day festivities saw JMU dole out advanced degrees to 448 graduate students and 41 doctoral candidates. Thursday’s exercises included The Graduate School and also the College of Science and Mathematics.

This scene from Saturday’s College of Integrated Science and Engineering festivities played itself out time and again across the long weekend of cherished celebration. The College of Visual and Performing Arts and the College of Health and Behavioral Studies also held ceremonies Saturday, marking another chapter in the dream come true for so many graduates from all walks of life.

Hugs and smiles were the order of the day, as graduates took their places among the long line of JMU Dukes destined to make the world a brighter place for all.