Southern Illinois University Carbondale will celebrate the academic achievements of nearly 2,100 students during its spring commencement ceremonies on May 8 and May 9.
The event highlights the culmination of years of study for candidates representing a range of degree programs and backgrounds. The university reports that as of mid-April, there are 2,087 candidates for degrees and certificates. This includes students from 19 countries seeking bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, law, and associate degrees.
Commencement festivities begin with the SIU Simmons Law School ceremony on Friday at Shryock Auditorium. On Saturday at Banterra Center, two ceremonies will take place for various colleges and schools within the university. Notable honorees include J. Phil Gilbert receiving an honorary Doctor of Law degree in association with the SIU Simmons Law School; Michael “Mike” Glenn being awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in association with the College of Liberal Arts; Cheryl F. Green receiving a posthumous Distinguished Service Award linked to the School of Education; James J. Miller earning an honorary Doctor of Science degree associated with the College of Health and Human Sciences; Russell Franklin Bartmes receiving an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters also tied to Health and Human Sciences; and Kathleen Pericak-Spector being recognized with a Distinguished Service Award through Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics.
Among this year’s graduating class are unique stories such as a 79-year-old military veteran completing studies begun in cinema and photography in 1974 as well as two aviation management students aged just twenty-one earning their master’s degrees.
Chancellor Austin A. Lane said: “Commencement is a powerful reminder of what Salukis can achieve. Each graduate represents years of hard work, determination and support from those who believed in them along the way. At Southern, we take great pride in celebrating these moments together. Seeing our students walk across that stage, surrounded by the energy and encouragement of their loved ones, is what makes this day so special and so meaningful.”
A total of 653 participating graduates will wear medallions or honor cords signifying academic distinction including cum laude (310), magna cum laude (180), summa cum laude (163), perfect GPA achievers (35), University Honors Program certificate recipients (82), Latin honors student-athletes (16) plus one student-athlete also earning an honors program certificate.
Guest seating for all ceremonies is open on a first-come basis without ticketing requirements; livestreams will be available online beginning fifteen minutes before each event.
