June 15 was a day of celebration for the 1,662 social sciences undergraduates who walked in the university’s 47th annual commencement ceremonies. The newly minted grads marked the occasion in true anteater fashion with cleverly hand-crafted caps and loud “Zot! Zot! Zot!” rally cries as they vied for bragging rights to the coveted Best Zot! Zot! Zot! Commencement Award (winner to be announced). Prior to the afternoon ceremonies - which included recognition of the demographic and social analysis master’s recipients, the school hosted its annual Order of Merit celebration to honor the very top graduating students in social sciences for excellence in scholarship, research, service and leadership. John Sommerhauser, social sciences graduate office manager, also received special recognition when the UCI commencement staff presented him with a plaque for his 25 years of consecutive volunteer service at graduation.

In total, more than 2,400 degrees were conferred to social sciences students, including the school’s doctoral recipients who were recognized in a traditional hooding ceremony on June 9. The graduating class brings the school’s alumni count to more than 35,000 anteaters strong, a network which includes top corporate, political and community leaders as well as internationally recognized Olympic athletes.

Congratulations, class of 2012, on all of your accomplishments!

-photos courtesy of Grad Images