UT Dallas Magazine

Looking Back to Graduations of Yesteryear


Graduation program covers

Graduation programs from throughout the decades.

Top row (from left): The inaugural UTD graduation ceremony in 1972; 1975; and 1984.

Bottom row (from left): 1990, 2000 and 2010.

 
First UT Dallas President Dr. Bryce Jordan hands one of the first first UTD diplomas to Susan Seabury Mahlum MS’73

First UT Dallas President Bryce Jordan hands a diploma to one of the first grads, Susan Seabury Mahlum MS’73.

 
A commencement ceremony in the former Alexander Clark Center

Dr. Robert Rutford, second president of UT Dallas, speaks during a commencement ceremony in the Alexander Clark Center.

 
A commencement ceremony in the former Alexander Clark Center

An undated photo of a commencement ceremony in the former Alexander Clark Center.

 
Graduates line up by name prior to an commencement ceremony

Graduates line up by name prior to a commencement ceremony.

 
Outside graduation ceremony

Once upon a time, commencement ceremonies were held outside, near the Eugene McDermott Library. We’ve outgrown such a space since then.

 
Outdoor graduation ceremony

A bird’s eye view of an outdoor graduation ceremony.