Graduation Information

Group photo of graduating physics students in cap and gown

Congratulations, Physics Buffs!Ìý

The Department of Physics celebrates all graduating students in physics and engineering physics at our spring and winter recognition ceremonies. Students may choose to participate in the departmental recognition ceremonyÌýand university commencement in the spring.

Graduating students should review theÌýGraduating Student ChecklistÌýto prepare for graduation.

Fall 2025 Physics Recognition Ceremony

Our departmental recognition ceremony is a special, personalized event where graduating students are recognized by name and receive a diploma cover. Students graduating with a bachelor's, bachelor'sÌýaccelerated/master's, terminal master's or PhDÌýin physics or engineering physics are invited to attend.Ìý

ÌýÌýDate: Friday, December 12, 2025
ÌýÌýTime: 5pm-7pm
ÌýÌýLocation: DUAN G1B20
ÌýÌýReception: Light appetizers will be served immediately following the ceremony in Duane G1B Lobby

Students shouldÌýÌýto attend the physics recognition ceremony by November 21, 2025.

  • Regalia is not required for participation in the Physics Recognition Ceremony, but it is recommended. The dress code for students not wearing regalia is business casual.
  • Visit theÌýCaps & Gowns pageÌýfor information on purchasing and ordering regalia.

Please contact Maria Martinez (maria.j.martinez@colorado.edu) in advance for ADA accommodations related to the Physics Recognition Ceremony.

All campus parking lots, with exception of Lot 380 (located near Macky Auditorium), will be open for public parking on a space available basis. You may park on-campus, including in pay-to-park lots, for no-charge on these recognition ceremony days.

ViewÌýCommencement Parking InformationÌýfor more information.

University Commencement

While no campus-wide commencement ceremony is held in winter, all fall graduates are encouraged to participate in the spring commencement ceremony.

Department of Physics Awards

  • Outstanding Graduate in Physics: Josiah Smith
  • Outstanding Graduate in Engineering Physics: Hero Trent
  • Stephen Halley White Undergraduate Research Award: Ruijian Wang
  • Graduate Student Teaching Award Recipients: Jonas Boettner, Gabe Schebel, Jacob Monahan, Michael O'Connor, Matthew Steele
  • Outstanding Graduates in Physics: Malayne Perry, Patrick Pillans, Devayani Ravuri
  • Outstanding Graduate in Engineering Physics: Blake Maly
  • Stephen Halley White Undergraduate Research Awards: Luke Coffman, Sean Gopalakrishnan
  • Outstanding Service Award:Organizers of CU*iP 2025
    Willa Arthur-Dworschack, Iona Binnie, Margie Bruff, Anya Grafov, Adalyn Gibson, Allie Plocki, Maura Barcia Figueras, Alysia Marino, Sherry Namburi, Bethany Wilcox
  • Student and Postdoc Teaching Awards: Benjamin Braun, Andrés Villani Dávila, Johnny Gallagher, Joe McCarty, Tobias Oliver, Justin Nicoski, Jonan-Rohi Plueger
  • Student and Postdoc Service Awards: Luke Adams, Aaron Barrios, Nicholas Golden, Rachael Merritt, Sara Moore, Kristin Oliver, Arabella Quane, Syd Thomas
  • Department of Physics Employees of the Year: Maura Barcia Figueras, Maria Martinez
  • Outstanding Physics Teacher Award: Murray Holland