2025 Commencement, CLASS-CPAE (May 10, 2025 - 10am Ceremony)

2025 Commencement, CLASS-CPAE (May 10, 2025 - 10am Ceremony)

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND EDUCATION

The University of Illinois Springfield held its 54th annual Commencement ceremony in three parts on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Sangamon Auditorium. Out of the 1,587 UIS students who were eligible to graduate, 1,071 participated in the ceremony.

UIS Chancellor Janet L. Gooch presided over the ceremonies, welcoming thousands of guests, including family members, friends and supporters of the graduating class. She welcomed attendees and offered heartfelt encouragement to graduates preparing for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“When you began your educational journey at UIS, you made an investment in yourself and your future,” Gooch said. “Continue to build on the successes you have had as a student at UIS. These achievements are your proof that you are capable, you are prepared and you are ready for what lies ahead.”

She encouraged graduates to embrace the unknown with courage and clarity, offering a message of action-based hope. “Hope, when paired with action, is a powerful tool,” Gooch said. “Use it to make a plan — to bridge the ‘now’ and the ‘next.’”

The student commencement speaker was Valerie Udemba, who earned her MBA, delivered a pre-recorded address on behalf of the graduating class.She reflected on the perseverance and growth that defined her UIS experience and encouraged fellow graduates to embrace the possibilities ahead.

Two honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters were awarded during the ceremonies. William Bloemer was recognized for more than 50 years of contributions to UIS in teaching, academic leadership and innovation in online learning. Bloemer encouraged graduates to find value in the unexpected moments life presents.  

“I want to add my congratulations to the graduates today as they approach their own uncharted paths,” he said.

Richard “Dick” Osborne, a 1973 MBA graduate and former CEO, was honored for his professional success and philanthropic leadership. Osborne, who serves as chair of the University of Illinois Foundation Board, encouraged graduates to remain open to new ideas and challenges.

“Don’t be afraid to bet on yourself,” he said. “Be bold, be resilient and remember that today is not the finish line—it’s just the beginning.”

The ceremonies recognized graduates from all four UIS colleges and included remarks from campus leadership, deans and trustees. Speakers at each ceremony varied but included University of Illinois President Timothy L. Killeen, UIS Provost Brandon E. Schwab and UIS Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jamarco R. Clark.

Dignitaries on stage varied during the ceremonies but included faculty grand marshal Tena Helton, a professor in English and modern languages; Vickie S. Cook, vice chancellor for enrollment and retention management; Kenneth A. Kriz, interim vice chancellor for finance and administration; and Gabe Cagwin vice chancellor for advancement and senior vice president for the University of Illinois Foundation.