San Francisco, CA -- With the passing of another school year, the Academy of Art University athletic department bid farewell to one of their largest classes of graduates, as 33 Urban Knights crossed the threshold and received their degrees on Wednesday at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.

"We are all very proud of these artist-athletes who have served as our original pioneer leaders who helped build the only art school in the NCAA," said Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator Meghan Bushnell. "These artist-athletes believed in our vision and helped turn a dream into a reality. Thank you to the artist-athlete Class of 2014 for your endless passion, determination, and commitment to ART U Athletics; you have left a lasting legacy within the Urban Knight family.  We wish you continued success in your personal and professional endeavors, and always remember, 'Be Artist. Be Athlete.'"

Women's soccer led the way with eight graduates followed closely by six from men's soccer and three from softball. There were also three graduates apiece from women's track & field and baseball then pairs from men's track & field and women's cross country. Men's and women's basketball, women's golf, and volleyball also each had a representative among the graduates.
 The school of Fashion had the most graduates, with eight Urban Knights in the department, with Multimedia Communications with five, and both Web Design & New Media and the school of Advertising graduating four artist-athletes apiece. There were two athletes each earning degrees in Interior Architecture & Design, Acting, Motion Pictures & Television, and Photography, while Jewelry & Metal Arts, Illustration, Game Design, and Graphic Design each had one graduate. 
 
Ian Sutherland, who holds the record for most games, wins, shutouts, and saves for the men's soccer team, earned his degree in Photography after being honored last month at the inaugural ARTYS awards. He was joined by a number of his teammates, including career assists-leader Patrick Heinemann (Advertising) and single-season points and goals record-holder Jonmundur Gretarsson (Acting). All-time games played leader Andrew Durano earned his degree in Web Design & New Media, while single-game scoring record-holder Andrew "Boomer" Cruz graduated with a degree in Advertising. Andrew Gonzales (Photography) was on the first ever Urban Knights squad, while Elijah Craig (Web Design) was also one of the first ART U soccer players. 

Ameer Shamsud-din, the all-time top scorer in only two seasons for the Urban Knights men's basketball team and an assistant coach this season, graduated with a degree in Multimedia Communications. Jordan Rogers, the 2013 PacWest Tournament Most Valuable Player for the ART U women's basketball team, earned a degree in Fashion Design. 

Jasmin Leonhardt, who was a captain for the Knights women's soccer team for two years and was the lead editor on ART U's SportsKnight, earned a graduate degree in Multimedia Communications. Jessica Bibby, the starting goalkeeper for two years, earned her diploma from the School of Advertising, while Carolyn Cordeiro and Brittany Schramm both earned their degree in Fashion Merchandising. Kristina Mitchell also earned her degree from the School of Fashion, while Melissa Co got a degree in Interior Architecture & Design. Aubrey Williams (Illustration) and Aiva Leff (Jewelry & Metal Arts) also graduated as former members of the women's soccer team.