LINCOLN, NE – Ashley Shay Burns of Upper Lake, Calif., was among more than 1,500 students who received degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln at commencement exercises Dec. 20 and 21.

Burns received a bachelor of science in grassland ecology and management degree from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

UNL awarded postgraduate degrees on Dec. 20 and baccalaureate degrees on Dec. 21 in ceremonies at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The College of Law conducted a separate ceremony on Dec. 20 at Ross McCollum Hall.

The commencement speakers were Karen Kunc, Willa Cather Professor and professor of art at UNL (postgraduate ceremony); former Nebraska Gov. and U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson (baccalaureate); and Judge William B. Cassel of the Nebraska Supreme Court (law).

The graduates are from 39 states and 38 countries.