The first students to attend the new Regina Campus graduated with their degrees on May 17, 1965. Previously, students could take classes in Regina – but had to then move to Saskatoon to earn degrees. At that first convocation ceremony at Darke Hall, 72 students were awarded Bachelor of Arts degrees, and Prime Minister Lester Pearson received an honorary degree. Throughout the years, the month of May has been an important month for the University of Regina and its forerunners, Regina College and the Regina Campus of the University of Saskatchewan.