Staff photo by Joe Phelan A graduate waves to someone in the stands Saturday during the University of Maine at Augusta graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center.

Staff photo by Joe Phelan Kay O'Brien marches into the auditorium Saturday during the University of Maine at Augusta graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center.

Staff photo by Joe Phelan Kay O'Brien walks across stage with diploma Saturday during the University of Maine at Augusta graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center.

Staff photo by Joe Phelan James Conneely, president of the University of Maine at Augusta, speaks during the UMA graduation ceremony Saturday at the Augusta Civic Center.

Staff photo by Joe Phelan Graduates file into the packed auditorium Saturday at start of the University of Maine at Augusta graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center.

Susan Baker, an associate professor of science, left, takes a photo of the decorated mortar boards of several of her students getting biology degrees before the start of the University of Maine at Augusta graduation ceremony Saturday at the Augusta Civic Center.

Staff photo by Joe Phelan Keynote speaker Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta, gives his remarks Saturday during the University of Maine at Augusta graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center.

Staff photo by Joe Phelan Student speaker Brittany Hanson gives her remarks Saturday during the University of Maine at Augusta graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center.