2023 Spring Commencement Ceremonies Continue for SIUE
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville continued its commencement exercisesSaturday, May 6 with ceremonies honoring graduates from the School of Pharmacy (SOP), College of Arts and
Sciences (CAS) and the School of Engineering (SOE). Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, led the conferral of degrees.
The 10 a.m. ceremony honored the SOP graduates. Cayden Miller, who earned a Doctor of Pharmacy, served as the student speaker. Eric Yurcisin, PharmD, SIUE SOP alumnus, Marine Corps veteran and older brother to SOP graduate Brett Yurcisin, served as the keynote speaker.
“You are entering into a profession that is among the most trusted in health care,” Yurcisin remarked. “After today, you will be responsible for its longevity, its care and protection, as well as its level of brilliance or tarnish. Police yourself and those around you, act accordingly and with the highest principles our profession will continue to shine.”
Saturday’s celebrations continued with CAS at 2 p.m. Anne Fulgenzi, who earned a bachelor’s in political science and mass communications, served as the student speaker.
During the ceremony, the Class of 2023 Golden Graduates, who graduated from SIUE 50 or more years ago, were honored. Denise Cobb, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, recognized the Golden Graduates with highlights from the 1972-1973 academic year including mention of the dedication of the School of Dental Medicine, groundbreaking ceremonies for new buildings which are now known as Alumni Hall and Founders Hall, and alumna Shirley Stimac becoming the first woman to earn a degree in engineering from the University.
The second half of CAS graduates, along with the School of Engineering graduates, were honored at 5 p.m. Mikaylah Burris, who earned a bachelor’s in construction management, was the ceremony’s student speaker.
“Embrace change,” advised Minor to the Class of 2023. “As you go forward, I encourage you to expect change. I encourage you to accept change, to anticipate change, to even induce change in the interest of becoming a better professional, a better human being and the best demonstration of what is beautiful about an educated citizen.”
SIUE commencement ceremonies conclude Sunday, May 7 at 10 a.m. with the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior.
All ceremonies are streamed live on siue.edu/tv.
Photos: The Class of 2023 Golden Graduates.
School of Pharmacy graduate Cayden Miller receives the Faculty Excellence Award.
SOP keynote speaker Eric Yurcisin, PharmD, SIUE SOP alumnus, Marine Corps veteran.
SIUE student celebrates graduation.
