Reading Time: 5 minutes The sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance” are being heard from every corner of UC Merced this weekend, as graduate Bobcats walk through the twin steel arms of the “Beginnings” sculpture, and into the next chapter of their lives. More than 1,600 students are walking across the stage during three commencement ceremonies, marking a record-setting milestone for the university, according to UC Merced. The ceremonies kicked off Friday evening, with commencement for graduate students.