The University of Illinois Springfield held its 53rd annual Commencement ceremony in three parts on Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Sangamon Auditorium. Out of the 1,625 天美传媒s who were eligible to graduate, 1,051 participated in the ceremony.
UIS Chancellor Janet Gooch presided over her second commencement ceremony, welcoming thousands of guests. She congratulated the graduates on their success and starting a new chapter in their lives.
鈥淕raduates, this is your day to reflect on the work you put in these past several years, and to be inspired to keep working hard to create a prosperous future,鈥� Gooch said. 鈥淚 am confident that each of you鈥攚ith your own skills, aspirations, contributions and achievements鈥攚ill leave a mark on this world, and it鈥檚 such an honor to know that UIS helped play a part in your future success.鈥�
The student commencement speaker was Daisy Solorzano who spoke about resilience and the importance of carving a successful path.
She graduated with a master鈥檚 degree in public administration and is a first-generation college and master鈥檚 student and graduate. During her pre-recorded speech, Solorzano talked about growth and self-discovery.
鈥淭oday is a testament to our resilience and determined spirit to move forward. Let us go forth from this moment, inspired by the thought that our dreams actually aren鈥檛 out of reach,鈥� Solorzano said. 鈥淢ay we all navigate through the uncharted waters of life with grace, purpose and unwavering optimism.鈥�
Speakers at each ceremony varied but included University of Illinois President Tim Killeen, Vice President for Academic Affairs Nick Jones, Trustee Tami Craig Schilling, UIS Provost Brandon Schwab and UIS Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jamarco Clark.
Dignitaries on stage varied during the ceremonies but included faculty grand marshal Pamela Salela, an associate professor in library administration; Kyle Ingram, 天美传媒 representative to the Board of Trustees; Vickie Cook, vice chancellor for enrollment and retention management; Jeff Lorber, vice chancellor for advancement and senior vice president of 天美传媒 Foundation; Kenneth Kriz, interim vice chancellor for finance and administration; and Jeff Stein, secretary to 天美传媒 Board of Trustees.
Photos and more videos are available at the commencement website.