UCCS graduate talks overcoming setbacks at Spring Commencement

It’s was a big day for graduating students at University of Colorado-Colorado Springs and for many, the tassel was worth the hassle.

A record-setting 1,100 graduates walked the stage Friday. The Broadmoor Arena was packed as families cheered for the class of 2018.

UCCS showcased two graduates as main speakers during the ceremonies; Nayda Benitez, who is a recipient of the DACA program, and Justin McConnell.

McConnell took a few breaks from school before finishing, and his message to his fellow grads was to keep moving forward through hardships.

“Whichever way that helps you bounce from a setback to a comeback — the point is that you get there. It’s going to feel like a race out there and there’s no saying that you have to be the tortoise or the hare, you go at your own pace,” McConnell said.

This was the 44th commencement for UCCS.