Getting a master's degree from the University of Iowa on Friday was just the beginning of Birsen Donmez' academic quest. In less than a month, she heads back to class in hopes of one day earning a doctorate degree in industrial engineering.

"This is not like the end ... just a celebration in the middle," said Donmez, 24, of Turkey.

Families and friends, young and old, gathered Friday at Hancher Auditorium to watch 375 graduate students receive masters or doctorate degrees during UI's 2004 summer commencement. School officials also granted 625 undergraduate degrees Friday.

One by one, school administrators and faculty presented degrees as people shouted and cameras flashed.

Giving the commencement address, Steven Duck, a UI professor of communication studies, described UI's latest graduating class as the "cream of Iowa, cream of their nation."

Duck congratulated the students' loved ones who supported them through school.

With degrees in hand, some students plan to hit the road with Iowa behind them. Others will miss what they call Iowa City's uniqueness.

Sunny Jain, 26, received undergraduate and masters degrees from UI. Jain, of Urbandale, studied anatomy and cellular biology at UI and plans to head to California, where he thinks the job market will be inviting.

"I'm really excited to leave Iowa City and go somewhere new," he said, sporting a black and yellow gown.

Kevin Wu, 31, received his doctorate degree in psychology Friday but began working at the University of Illinois-Chicago one year ago. The Detroit native said he misses Iowa City.

"I really miss it here," said Wu. "I haven't found a place like it yet."