Laura Fortier, right, hugs Katrin Dumont after receiving their degrees from University of Southern Maine on Saturday at Cross Insurance Arena.
Jean-Daniel Liwanga smiles while returning to his seat with his bachelor degree in computer science from University of Southern Maine.
McKinley Brayley hugs his father outside Cross Insurance Arena on Saturday after receiving a degree in media studies from University of Southern Maine.
Isabella St. Cyr smiles at the audience after receiving her degree in classical voice performance during the University of Southern Maine’s 144th commencement on Saturday at Cross Insurance Arena.
Childhood friends Wilsan Mohamed, left, and Abdirahman Saeed shake hands after Mohamed received a master’s degree in public policy from University of Southern Maine on Saturday at Cross Insurance Arena.
Paul Thiemens gives a thumbs up to enthusiastic applause after he received his undergraduate degree in leadership and organizational studies from the University of Southern Maine during the 144th commencement on Saturday at Cross Insurance Arena. For the past five years, Thiemens, 64, has been a food court worker at the university’s Portland campus, where he makes a point to learn as many of the students’ names as possible. “It makes the students feel special. You make connections. That’s the joy of the job,” he said.
Yasmin Idow receives a hug while surrounded by supporters outside Cross Insurance Arena on Saturday after the University of Southern Maine’s 144th commencement. Idow received an undergraduate degree in political science.
Donna Thach, center right, poses for photos with friend Gracia Bareti after Thach received an undergraduate degree in marketing from University of Southern Maine on Saturday at Cross Insurance Arena.
University of Southern Maine student speaker Hamido Hassan addresses the class of 2024 during the 144th commencement on Saturday at Cross Insurance Arena.
PORTLAND, ME - MAY 4: Commencement speaker Tom Caron, a sportscaster, addresses the class fo 2024 on Saturday at Cross Insurance Arena. (Staff photo by Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer)
English major Sydney Franks sports a crocheted mortarboard reading “May the fourth be with us” during University of Southern Maine’s 144th commencement on Saturday at Cross Insurance Arena. May 4, the date of the event, is sometimes called Star Wars Day, something that was acknowledged several times during the proceedings.
Schools & Education 
