Moving on: University of Florida celebrates 5,900 graduates at Friday ceremony

Tens of thousands of people roared with excitement as Gator football legend Tim Tebow walked up to the microphone to address the 2022 graduating class of the University of Florida.

For a moment, the atmosphere seemed reminiscent of an intimate version of a home SEC rival game during the Gator's 2009 national championship run.

Tebow, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, addressed more than 3,000 graduates on the field he once dominated at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Friday night, reminding the sea of black cap and gowns that the evening wasn't about him.

“Tonight is about you," he said. "I want you to be encouraged because you have achieved something special.”

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Throughout his address at the University-Wide Commencement Ceremony, Tebow graced the crowd with humor, encouragement and emotion.

He shared his experiences in the Philippines where he did humanitarian work, speaking of an impoverished and malnourished little boy that he saw wearing his football jersey.

“Tears were flowing down my face when I saw this boy,” said Tebow, who was awarded the UF Distinguished Alumnus award prior to taking the stage.

“I hope you’re successful," he said. "I hope whatever you do, you crush it. But I hope it doesn’t stop with success because you know where success stops … (with) you. But significance is about other people. Be successful, but also be significant."

People from all over the world filled the stands in support of the graduating class.

The graduating class represented six continents, 89 countries and all 50 states in America, including 794 first-generation college graduates, UF President Kent Fuchs said.

Two sisters, Tracy Ruda and Valerie Marvin flew in from out of town to attend the ceremony. Ruda — from Fort Wayne, Indiana — and Marvin — from Pearland, Texas — said they were excited to see their niece finally walk across the stage.

Before people were allowed to enter the stadium for the event, lines formed in front of the Lee Chira Family Heisman Plaza, where graduates and family posed in front of the Tim Tebow, Steve Spurrier and Danny Wuerffel bronze statues.

The wait allowed attendees like Ruda to stroll parts of UF's scenic campus prior to graduation starting on the cool, breezy evening.

“The oak trees with the moss, the buildings, it’s a gorgeous campus," Ruda said.

Alaska-native Raynell Jones, who earned her master’s degree in forensic science Friday, said her time at UF has been a "great experience."

Jones' family was just one of the thousands who cheered and applauded in recognition of the important milestone as each person walked across the stage.

“As a father of four grown children, I know how important this day is also for the families and friends of these graduates,” Fuchs said. “And I want to congratulate and thank the family members and friends present today for your support and devotion to these graduates. We feel your joy and your relief.”

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Tim Tebow speaks to thousands at UF graduation