Katie Wing carries the mace Saturday as she leads the procession to start the University of Maine at Augusta graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center.

Graduate Charles Ernesto kisses his daughter, Jhope, after the University of Maine at Augusta graduation Saturday at the Augusta Civic Center. Ernesto, who studied cybersecurity, was one of the first to receive a master's degree from UMA.

Dr. Anthony James Jr., Ph.D., the 2021-22 diversity, equity and inclusion consultant at UMA and a professor of Family Science and Social Work at Miami University of Ohio, gives the commencement address Saturday during the University of Maine at Augusta graduation at the Augusta Civic Center.

A graduate on the floor waves to spectators in the bleachers behind them Saturday during University of Maine at Augusta graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center.

Graduate Tiffany Browning, top, hugs her friend Alyssa Espinal after the University of Maine at Augusta graduation Saturday at the Augusta Civic Center.

Graduates on the floor wave to spectators in the bleachers behind them Saturday during the University of Maine at Augusta's graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center.

Michele Richardson, left, attaches bobby pins Saturday so that her mother, Debra Blaisdell's, mortar board will stay on before University of Maine at Augusta graduation at the Augusta Civic Center. Blaisdell said that she didn't go to college after she graduated from Rumford High School in 1974. But after seeing several of her children and grandchildren earn college degrees it inspired her to do it too.

Katie Wing holds the mace Saturday after she led the procession to start of the University of Maine at Augusta's graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center.

Kristin Whittemore, center, talks Saturday about asking to be able to walk in the University of Maine at Augusta graduation with her daughters, Emily Whittemore, left, and Ashley Whittemore. The last two UMA graduations were held virtually so Kristin and Ashley Whittemore didn't get to walk in 2020 and Emily couldn't either in 2021.