The end of the fall semester brings with it a whole host of feelings, from the relief that finals are over to the sadness graduates experience as they prepare to leave the UI and go out into the world. But graduates also leave with a sense of pride in their accomplishments, pride that all of us—family members, friends, faculty, staff, administrators—share in as we watch these talented people receive their degrees and begin their journeys.

Fall may not typically be associated with graduation, but between Dec. 14 and 17, more than 1,000 UI undergraduates, as well as many graduate students, will receive their degrees. They have studied in programs across campus, hail from 70 of Iowa’s counties, and represent 26 countries including the United States. More than a quarter are first-generation students, and a third identify as belonging to a minority group.

The achievements of our graduates are both personal and societal. They demonstrate how hard Hawkeyes work and that Iowa provides a place for students to perfect their abilities in their fields. It’s true that this semester’s graduates face unique challenges, and the university they’re graduating from faces challenges as well. The programs that have allowed these graduates to pursue their vision of their future are only possible when the community that values and supports them.

And we need to continue to support students like these. The undergraduates in this class have an average cumulative GPA of 3.097. One hundred of them are graduating with honors or distinction, and 74 are leaving the UI after completing multiple majors. These are the sorts of accomplishments that a public university makes possible.

I ask this semester’s graduates to remember that all of the experiences they had at the UI were made possible by a particular set of values that have allowed public universities to thrive. Those values are now being called into question, and it’s important that those who know firsthand what a public university has to offer acknowledge the opportunities they received here as they go on to greater success. Never forget that your education was supported by Iowans. Similarly, in this season of giving, please return the favor by helping others. I am extremely proud of all of our graduates and all they will do to continue to provide opportunities to future Hawkeyes.