2023 Commencement

Students were recognized by majors at the start of the 2023 Commencement.

The Class of 2023, which includes 377 students, is the largest in College history and includes the first cohort of Entertainment Design majors.

Students wore various colored cords in honor of their exceptional talent, leadership, and contributions to the College community and in recognition of various other attributes including military service and academic honors.

College President Dr. Larry R. Thompson conferred degrees using a magic wand from Universal Studios’ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in honor of the keynote speaker, Mark Woodbury.

As the student speaker during commencement, Jesse Clark ’23, Photography and Imaging, encouraged his classmates to pursue their passions and find success in everything they do. Clark was also selected as a 2022 Trustee Scholar for his major, the College’s most prestigious appointment.

Ringling College’s Class of 2023 graduated May 4 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center for the College’s annual commencement. A total of 377 degrees were awarded in all of the College’s 13 undergraduate disciplines, including Entertainment Design. Established in 2019, the first cohort of Entertainment Design students graduated alongside their peers.

Ale Ortega Romero graduated with a degree in Illustration. During her time at Ringling, she worked in the College’s in-house Design Center and created several high profile projects. She was also selected as a 2022 Trustee Scholar for her major, the College’s most prestigious appointment. Read more.

Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, encouraged graduates to pursue their dreams with passion and persistence at Ringling College’s commencement on May 4. Woodbury oversees all aspects of the company’s destinations, including Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort. He also serves on the NBCUniversal Executive Committee. Read more.