The University of Washington Bothell is set to graduate the largest class in its history. More than 1,600 students will receive bachelor’s and master’s degrees, topping last year’s graduate numbers by more than 200.

The growing number of degrees being conferred is a result of continued growth in the student body as well as an increasing number of programs and degrees designed to fulfill regional industry needs.

Recent analysis of six-year national enrollment data also shows that UW Bothell is the fourth fastest-growing university in the nation (among public four-year institutions). Further, UW Bothell is the fastest-growing four-year public university in the Pacific Northwest.

This will be the first graduating class under the leadership of Chancellor Wolf Yeigh, who began his tenure last September. “We are achieving our goal of becoming a university of choice for students in our region,” says Yeigh. “Our enrollment growth indicates we are fulfilling our mission to provide access and opportunity for a University of Washington education to talented students in our state and region.”

With such a large graduating class, commencement organizers expect a full Alaska Airlines Arena Sunday, June 15, as graduates, their families and friends celebrate their accomplishments.

The keynote speaker will be John Quiñones, Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of ABC’s Primetime and sole anchor of Primetime series What Would You Do?