BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. -- Masters and doctoral students put down the books and picked up their diplomas Saturday at Binghamton University.

Family and friends gathered at the Events Center to watch their loved ones don caps and gowns. Students graduated from the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences and Watson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, among others. Three honorary degrees will also be awarded this weekend.

Organizers said they’re proud of the graduates and students say they’re excited to take on the real world.

Amy Hanford, BU Commencement Coordinator said, “It's always like a proud parent moment when the ceremony starts. I put the last six months into this with a wonderful team from across the university to put this together, so it's just a very proud moment."

Kevin Hexemer, BU Masters Graduate said, “I got this certificate, I learned all this stuff, I can apply it to something and make a difference."

Karl Eckman, BU Masters Graduate said, “I'm pumped to be graduating and entering the real world."

The university will confer almost 3,300 degrees in total this weekend. Ceremonies will continue throughout the day on Sunday for undergraduates.