Overview:
• Miami University's 185th Spring Commencement celebrated nearly 4,100 degree candidates, with the top 10 undergraduate degrees including Marketing, Finance, Psychology, and Biology.
• Graduates represent 43 states and 23 countries. Brian Niccol '96, Chairman and CEO of Chipotle, delivered this year's commencement speech.
• A total of 4,099 degrees were conferred, including bachelor’s, master’s, certificates, associate degrees, and doctorates.
• Four honorary degrees were awarded, each to distinguished individuals.
Contributed
OXFORD. OH – Nearly 4,100 degree candidates recently graduated at Miami University’s 185th Spring Commencement as graduates filled Yager Stadium in a sea of cardinal red.
A total of 4,099 degrees were conferred during the ceremony, including 3,480 bachelor’s degrees; 419 master’s degrees; 131 certificates; 56 associate degrees; and 13 doctorates.
Brian Niccol ’96 was this year’s commencement speaker. Niccol, chairman and CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, has maintained strong ties to Miami since graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Science, Engineering Management. Niccol and his wife, Jennifer ’97, recently donated a $2 million gift to the Miami men’s basketball program, as well as providing the Niccol Family Basketball Award for Excellence in Academics and Athletics.
The top 10 undergraduate degrees to be conferred this year are: Marketing (284), Finance (272), Psychology (209), Biology (148), Nursing (121), Political Science (111), Kinesiology (109), Computer Science (108), Strategic Communications (102), and Supply Chain and Operations (83).
Photo of Miami University’s 185th Spring Commencement. Credit: Miami University 
Brian Niccol, chairman and CEO of Chipotle, was awarded an honorary degree during Miami University commencement exercises. Credit: Miami University 
Sharon Draper, Cincinnati author and educator, whose novel “Out of My Mind” was recently adapted into a film, received an honorary degree at the commencement. Draper earned a M.A. in English from Miami in 1973. Credit: Miami University 
Photo of Miami University’s 185th Spring Commencement. Credit: Miami University
A total of 14.9% of students earning a bachelor’s degree will graduate with cum laude honors, 10% magna cum laude, and 5.7% summa cum laude. For associate degree recipients, 7.1% will graduate with cum laude honors and 3.6% magna cum laude.
Degree candidates represent 43 states and 23 countries.
Additionally, four honorary degrees will be awarded. Those recipients are:
- David Dafoe, founder and owner of Flavorman and one of the country’s foremost authorities on flavor. Dafoe graduated from Miami in 1984 with a B.A. in Zoology.
- Sharon Draper, author and educator whose novel “Out of My Mind” was recently adapted into a film. Draper earned a M.A. in English from Miami in 1973.
- Brian Niccol, who has helped accelerate sales growth in his roles as chairman and CEO of Chipotle.
- Tom Smith, founder and managing partner of Prescott General Partners, a private asset management firm. Smith graduated from Miami in 1950 with a B.S. in Economics and recently donated a fourth sculpture to Miami’s Oxford campus.