Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook, PhD, is overseeing the 2018 Fall Commencement exercises today and tomorrow. Ceremonies in the Vadalabene Center on campus for the 1,217 eligible graduates began this afternoon with the School of Nursing (SON) and resume Saturday at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Ceremonies are streamed live at siue.edu/tv.
“We are proud of our 2018 SIUE fall graduates, who no doubt will fulfill our University mission of shaping a changing world,” Pembrook said. “We congratulate them on their hard work and persistence, which has led to degree attainment and the accomplishing of their educational goals. They join nearly 110,000 SIUE alums, a majority of whom are living in this area, in making a difference in their communities. Best wishes to the graduates and their families for a joyous commencement day and a wonderful holiday season.”
SIU System Interim President Kevin J. Dorsey, PhD, MD, addressed the SON graduates. “Thank you for representing yourselves, your families, and your alma mater in such an excellent manner over these past several years.” he said. “On this day, we applaud all that you have accomplished, and that accomplishment is life-altering. Your college degree is key to a wealth of opportunity. You have helped to enhance the reputation of our University, and we are confident that you will take what you have gained here and use it to great advantage, both for yourselves, as well as for the benefit of others.”
Student speaker Jessica Lohman, of St. Louis, earned a bachelor’s in nursing. She recognized that everyone has an “aha!” moment as she did upon deciding that women’s health nursing, specializing in labor and delivery was her calling. “Through our clinicals in nursing school, each of you, my classmates, and I, experienced a moment of clarity where we realized we had found our perfect fit,” she said. “Whether that was the general medicine floor, the emergency department, the intensive care unit, the psychiatric unit, or the labor and delivery unit, it was incredible to see someone find where they were meant to be.
“I hope you will all continue to treasure your moment. Everything we have accomplished and overcome – the grueling schedules, challenging course work, our clinical rotations – all led us to find our place and get here, to this moment. It led us to a strong understanding of why we chose this profession, how we can best contribute to society, and be personally and professionally fulfilled.”
The Saturday morning student speaker is John Thomas, who earned a bachelor’s in computer management and information systems, and led SIUE’s Army ROTC program as Cadet Battalion Commander. The morning session features the Graduate School, and the Schools of Business, and Education, Health and Human Behavior.
Sandra Weissinger, PhD, associate professor of sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), is SIUE’s 2018 Teaching Excellence Award winner. Sarah VanSlette, PhD, associate professor of applied communication studies in CAS, is the 2018 Great Teacher Award recipient as selected by the SIUE Alumni Association. They will address graduates during the Saturday afternoon ceremony that features the Graduate School, College of Arts and Sciences, and School of Engineering.
The Saturday afternoon student speaker is Yelana Moton, who earned a bachelor’s in construction management from the School of Engineering.