UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television graduation

Directors Penelope Spheeris, left, and Shirley Jo Finney share a light moment during UCLA’s 2012 commencement ceremony for the School of Theater, Film and Television in the Dickson Court North. The two were presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award for their accomplishments.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Dr. Judith Reichman, widow of Gil Cates, founding dean of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television, receives a plaque from UCLA Chancellor Gene Block during the school’s 2012 commencement ceremony.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

New grads cheer.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Receiving his master of fine arts in lighting and design from UCLA, John Garofalo records the event for his mother with a camera on his cap. She could not attend because she is receiving chemotherapy on the East Coast.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)