Klein College of Science celebrates spring graduates
UNC Charlotte celebrated Spring Commencement with five ceremonies across three days, recognizing more than 5,780 graduates from 32 countries, 40 states and 88 North Carolina counties. The University’s graduating class ranged in age from 16 to 73 and included six sets of twins.
The Klein College of Science awarded 286 bachelor’s degrees during the Saturday morning undergraduate ceremony and more than 40 master’s and doctoral degrees through the Graduate School on Thursday and Saturday afternoons.
At Thursday’s doctoral hooding ceremony, Kaitlin Klotz ’16, ’18 M.S. served as the bell ringer, a tradition that honors a graduating student who exemplifies academic achievement and University engagement. Klotz is earning a Ph.D. in biology with a concentration in molecular, cellular and developmental biology.
During her doctoral studies, Klotz served as a Graduate Life Fellow and mentored undergraduate researchers. She also held leadership roles in Graduate and Professional Student Government, first as chief of staff and later as president for the 2024–25 academic year. Her service was recognized with a Chancellor’s Award at the University Honors and Awards ceremony.
This spring marks Klotz’s third degree from UNC Charlotte, following a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2016 and a master’s degree in bioinformatics in 2018. In her bell ringer application, she reflected on the significance of closing her academic journey with the ceremony.
UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber, Klotz, Klein College of Science Founding Dean Bernadette Donovan-Merkert.
“My time as a doctoral student has been defined not only by scientific discovery, but also by service, mentorship and a commitment to strengthening the graduate student community in the place that has been my home for more than a decade,” Klotz said.
KCOS students Naz F. Tumpa, Jada A. Jordan and Prenitaa A. Kamdar served as student marshals during the ceremonies. The honor of being a student marshal goes to juniors who have the highest cumulative grade point average among full time students during the previous two semesters. The honor of being a Graduate School student marshal goes to students who exemplify outstanding academic and leadership skills.
The Klein College of Science held a reception to celebrate the graduates in Klein Hall on Saturday after the undergraduate ceremony.
