The University of Missouri–St. Louis community gathered to celebrate the achievements of nearly 900 summer and fall graduates during three ceremonies Saturday at the Mark Twain Athletic Center. Campus photographer Derik Holtmann was on hand to document a day of triumph and joy.

Sai Kaung Khant, who earned his bachelor’s degree in data science and analysis, waves to family and friends during Saturday’s commencement ceremony.

Remy Xa, who earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and a certificate from the Pierre Laclede Honors College smiles as they walk into the commencement ceremony.

Accounting graduate Alex Paubel and Chancellor Kristin Sobolik wave to Paubel’s family during commencement. Paubel is the ninth member of her immediate family – both of her parents, plus her six older siblings – to earn a degree from UMSL.

UMSL alum Ken Cella, a principal and head of external affairs at Edward Jones, delivers the commencement address for the Ed G. Smith College of Business. Cella earned his degree in marketing from UMSL in 1993.

Family and friends of graduate Kimberly Barrera Gonzalez cheer her on as she walks across the commencement stage.

Elijah McCoy, who serves as UMSL’s coordinator of campus traditions and leadership programs, waves to friends and family in the audience after earning a graduate certificate in Digital and Social Media Marketing.

Karl Guenther, who earned his Doctor of Business Administration, shares a moment with Yiuman Tsu and Chancellor Sobolik on stage after he was hooded by Tsu. Guenther previously earned a master’s in economics at UMSL and worked in economic and community development at the university before becoming vice president of strategy and programs at the James S. McDonnell Foundation.

UMSL alum Lúcia Lohmann, the president of the Missouri Botanical Garden, puts her hand over her heart as she delivers her commencement address to graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences. Lohmann received her PhD in biology with an emphasis in ecology, evolution and systematics from UMSL in 2003.

UMSL graduates move their tassles to the left at the end of their commencement ceremony.

New graduates gathered with their family and friends outside the Mark Twain Athletic Center on Saturday.

UMSL graduates take advantage of the unseasonably warm December day to pose with family and friends following the ceremony.

View more UMSL photos by visiting the UMSL Flickr and Instagram accounts.