People who have successfully completed a course of study and received a diploma or degree from an educational institution. Can also refer to those who have completed any program or training.
From Latin 'graduatus', past participle of 'graduari' meaning to take a degree, from 'gradus' meaning step or grade. The educational ceremony reflects the idea of stepping up to a new level of achievement.
The graduation ceremony with caps and gowns dates back to medieval universities where academic dress distinguished scholars from ordinary citizens. The mortarboard cap was originally called a 'square cap' and symbolized the transformation from student to scholar.
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