There was a celebration Sunday in the Carrier Dome. More than 5,000 degrees were given to graduates from Syracuse University and SUNY ESF. Our Iris St. Meran caught up with the new alumni as they shared what's next.

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Syracuse University Psychology major Tiarra Currie said, "I took 21 credits since freshmen year. I had two jobs. I was in a lot of internships. So, this moment feels extremely like everything paid off."

With their newly acquired degrees, off they will go embarking on new and some not quite defined endeavors.

"I'm interning at PWC. Price Waterhouse Coopers," said Accounting Major Laura Brichke.

Joshua Klein who received a degree in Political Science said, "Hopefully find an internship for a year and then look at grad school or law school

"Big decision of moving to New York or LA to make a name for myself because I don't have a job yet," said SU New House Graduate Jake Hebert.

Although what's next is hard to answer, what's for certain is graduation was even more special because it was Mother's Day. And many believe the best gift you can give to mom is graduation.

"It's a roller coaster of emotions, but mostly, I am just proud and happy," said Eileen Coyle.

And whatever these recent graduates go on to do, they know mom always knows best.

Kathy Greenblatt told her daughter, "Just to follow her dreams and go for anything she wants."

That’s advice worth taking.

More than 16,000 people filled the Dome for the ceremony. Aaron Sorkin, a 1983
Graduate of SU and award winning screen writer was the Commencement Speaker.