Crowded into the historic space where 123 graduating classes previously received their diplomas, Elon University faculty, staff, family and friends welcomed a new crop of graduates into the world beyond Elon.

Seniors graduating Under The Oaks today closed the door on their undergraduate experiences. But, as Senior Class President Connor O’Donnell pointed out, the Class of 2014’s contributions will be long-etched into the Elon community.

"If you're not stepping on the grass, you're not making an impression,” he said.

It takes approximately eight steps to cross the graduation stage, O’Donnell said. But those eight steps are the culmination of every step taken in the years leading up to this highly anticipated day.

The 2014 commencement ceremony began as many Elon events do — with an invocation by University Chaplain Jan Fuller, who reminded the graduates of the impressions the Elon Community will leave on them.

With the graduates seated once again where they sat as freshmen during convocation, President Leo Lambert rose to welcome commencement headliner Mary Carillo, who heralds an illustrious career as a tennis player and sports analyst.

“Today Mary takes on the most important role as a proud parent of Rachel Bowden,” Lambert said. “When it comes to hard work, dedication and commitment, it’s game, set and match.”

Carillo advised the Class of 2014 to keep an open mind in everything they attempt after leaving the protection and comforts of Elon. After her short but prolific tennis career, Carillo took on the field of sports journalism, a new arena, where she deliberately said “yes” to as many opportunities as possible.

The bulk of Carillo’s address advised the graduating class to identify a passion and perfect it.

“Get into something and see where it takes you,”  she said “Sometimes you need to hold your nose and jump into something.”

Carillo tearfully concluded her speech, singling out her daughter and advising the graduates to treat others and the planet with kindness.

“I’m not asking you to change the whole world,” she said. “But if you’re kind, you’re doing more than you know.”

Lambert followed up on Carillo’s remarks with a closing charge, telling Elon students to take care of each other like a big family, where fellow alumni are like brothers and sisters.

Before receiving their oak saplings, graduates and guests received a final word of wisdom from Lambert, who advised them to use their degrees to share the importance of education with others.

“That diploma you are holding in your hand represents power," he said. "Use it to give others the same gifts you have received."