DENTON (UNT), Texas — The University of North Texas expects to honor more than 6,000 students during Fall Commencement for the completion of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees during the summer and fall semesters.

The university will host nine separate ceremonies Dec. 15-17 (Friday-Sunday) on the UNT campus in the Coliseum, 600 Avenue D, and in the Murchison Performing Arts Center, 2100 N. I-35 East in Denton.

View the schedule of individual college ceremonies and live stream links, along with information regarding UNT’s virtual commencement experience.

Here are a few compelling story ideas tied to UNT’s Commencement, shedding light on the distinctive accomplishments and experiences of UNT’s graduating students.

• Overcoming dyslexia, Brent Mundell, a native of Canada, found a love for learning and continuous self-improvement. Graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences focusing on digital analytics, Mundell defied challenges posed by dyslexia to achieve academic success. Outside of work and school, he discovered a passion for running and completed his first marathon in 2019 after losing his father to a heart attack. His ceremony is at 8 a.m. Dec. 15 (Friday) in the UNT Coliseum.

• Steven Menchaca, a military veteran, is set to take off on his journey to becoming a test pilot. In pursuing his undergraduate degree, he immersed himself in UNT’s Mechanical and Energy Engineering program. His son, Jesse, was born during his first semester at UNT. Later, Menchaca brought Little Jesse to online classes, watching lectures with the infant on his lap. His final project was dedicated to creating a new aircraft seat, spanning initial research through funding to production. His ceremony is at 8 a.m. Dec. 16 (Saturday) in the UNT Coliseum.

• At the age of 90, Minnie Payne has made history as the oldest individual to complete her coursework to earn a master’s degree at UNT. Growing up in a South Carolina textile community, she faced poverty but eventually graduated high school in 1950. After a 30-plus-year career, she retired at 68, enrolled at another university, and at 73, she graduated with a bachelor’s before pursuing a master’s in interdisciplinary studies at UNT. Her ceremony is at 12 p.m. Dec. 17 (Sunday) in the UNT Coliseum.

• Ethan Nguyen, a piano player, suffered an injury that resulted in chronic pain down the right side of his body. His fourth and fifth fingers were so weak, his hand would close into a claw while playing. Now, Nguyen is graduating with a master’s degree in Jazz Studies. The experience taught him many lessons about resilience and he looks forward to writing music, teaching and following his passions. His ceremony is at 4 p.m. Dec. 17 (Sunday) in the UNT Coliseum.

For media: Interview opportunities and parking can be set up with Devynn Case at Devynn.Case@unt.edu or 214-708-4558.