It was important to have your ticket for the College of Natural Resources Spring Commencement Ceremony this year, because it was packed. More than 1000 family members and friends clapped, cheered, and cried as the 2009 CNR graduates made their way across the stage at the McKimmon Center to receive their diplomas and heartfelt congratulations from the Dean, Department Heads, and faculty members. Earlier that day on May 9, they had all gathered in the RBC center for University Graduation Exercises. This year, those who will be graduating during the summer of 2009 were invited to walk with the May graduates.

The CNR Commencement Address was delivered by Dr. George Hess, 2009 Distinguished Undergraduate Professor. Additionally, one student representative from each department addressed their fellow graduates. Steven Tyler Pires, Summa Cum Laude, Environmental Technology, provided the address for the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources. Departmental receptions followed the graduation ceremony, giving the opportunity for professors to meet families, and friends to offer best wishes for the future.

• Read Dr. George Hess’s Commencement Address
• Read Steven Tyler Pires Address to Fellow Graduates

• Read the list of 2009 Forestry and Environmental Resources Spring & Summer Graduates
• See Photos from the Ceremony and FER Reception
• By the numbers:
  – NCSU – 4,294 degrees awarded
  – CNR – 182 degrees awarded
  – FER – 62 degrees awarded; 48 undergraduate degrees, 16 graduate degrees