Cyndi Loza

Cheers and hollers filled the sunny quadrangle at the University of Nevada, Reno Saturday as friends and family watched their graduates receive degrees.

“You’re free,” said Fermen Smith, 22, as he embraced and lifted his cousin, UNR graduate Shannon Sevor, off the ground. “You made it! You made it!”

The school’s spring commencement was held Saturday morning in the southern part of campus for students graduating with baccalaureate degrees. A total of 1,302 bachelor’s degree candidates were awarded.

“I feel relieved and happy,” said Linda Price, 45, of Sacramento, who paid for most of her UNR graduate’s tuition. “Other than the gift of life, this is the best gift you can give your child.”

Despite joyous family and friends, the ceremony left some with concern.

“You expect to be excited, but there’s always worry and anxiousness as to what’s going to happen,” said Allen Whipple, 23, who graduated with a bachelor’s in economics. “For the last 18 years of your life, you always knew what you were going to be doing in the fall — school. But now I have to worry about life and bills.”

Sevor, who graduated with a bachelor’s in international business and Spanish, said the ceremony left him with an empty feeling.

“The feeling is exasperating,” said Sevor, 22, a cornerback for the Nevada football team. “Of course you’re happy, but at the same time you’re eager, anticipating the long road ahead.”

Whipple said he has a backup plan in case he can’t find a job.

“Worst-case scenario: I can always move back in with my parents,” Whipple said.