Grads at UC, NKU think of new beginnings, Newtown, Conn. victims during commencement ceremonies

CINCINNATI - New graduates at the University Of Cincinnati paused to reflect on the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, during their commencement ceremony on Saturday.

UC President Santa Ono asked the crowd at Fifth Third Arena for a moment of silence to remember the young lives lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The commencement ceremony at Fifth Third Arena also celebrated the accomplishments of more than 3,500 summer and fall graduates. A spokesperson for UC says that number is up 35 percent from this same time last year.

Across the river, Northern Kentucky University also held its winter commencement ceremonies. NKU graduated more than 1,400 students at The Bank of Kentucky Center.

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