SIUE Virtual Commencement | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Ceremony Opening and Welcome

Ceremony Opening

Welcome to SIUE’s virtual commencement! Please proceed through the ceremony by clicking the side arrows, or selecting specific portions of this virtual event through the drop-down menu at the top of this image. Thank you for joining us online as we honor our spring 2020 graduates.

View the Spring 2020 Virtual Commencement Program

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National Anthem

Please stand, if you are able, for the presentation of our flag and "The Star-Spangled Banner," played by the Meridian Brass Quintet and led by Michael Hawkins, a Musical Theater Student in the College of Arts and Sciences.

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Welcome

Dr. P. Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Honorary Degree Recognition

Congratulations to honorary degree recipient Lawrence Heitz. In 1969, Mr. Heitz claimed the title of “first person to graduate from SIUE with an MBA.” In addition to his impressive career and significant community commitments, he established an award to recognize an SIUE School of Business faculty member for excellence in research and scholarship and is a member of the 2011 SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame. See more in the spring 2020 virtual commencement program.

Spring 2020 Virtual Commencement Program

Distinguished Service Award Recognition

Congratulations to alumna, professor emerita and former SIU Board of Trustees member Dr. Shirley Portwood. An accomplished and prolific writer, researcher and storyteller, this award is bestowed in appreciation for her dedication and service to the University, and the countless students who the longtime educator positively impacted. See more in the spring 2020 virtual commencement program.

Spring 2020 Virtual Commencement Program

Remarks from the Chancellor

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Chancellor Pembrook's Remarks

Dr. Randy Pembrook is the ninth chancellor of SIUE and an SIUE alumnus. The University community is grateful for his leadership and commitment.

Remarks from the SIU System President

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Remarks from the President

Dr. Daniel Mahony is the 10th president of the Southern Illinois University System. His student-focused leadership greatly benefits SIUE.

School of Nursing Honors

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Remarks from the Dean

Dr. Laura Bernaix, Dean, School of Nursing

Outstanding Graduate Student Academic Achievement Awards

To be nominated for this award, students must demonstrate the creativity and curiosity to learn, resulting in excellent academic performance and professionalism. They must also demonstrate the potential for outstanding contributions to the profession of nursing. Lastly, they must demonstrate compassion for caring and excellence in action within the respective specialization.

Congratulations to the recipients of the Outstanding Graduate Student Academic Achievement Awards!
Jenny Lieu, Academic Award, Nurse Practitioner
Kathryn Gratza, Academic Award, Nurse Anesthesia
Barbara Garrison, Academic Award, Post-Masters DNP

Outstanding Graduate Student Clinical Achievement Awards

To be nominated for this award, students must demonstrate the creativity and curiosity to learn, resulting in excellent academic performance and professionalism. They must also demonstrate the potential for outstanding contributions to the profession of nursing. Lastly, they must demonstrate compassion for caring and excellence in action within the respective specialization.

Congratulations to the recipients of the Outstanding Graduate Student Clinical Achievement Awards!
Chelsea Pierce, Clinical Award, Nurse Practitioner
Jenny Aumann, Clinical Award, Nurse Anesthesia

Student Leadership Award

This award is designed to recognize a student who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership qualities in the SIUE nursing program by embodying the true spirit of the nursing profession and helping others to realize their goals.

Congratulations to the recipients of the Student Leadership Awards!
Kathleen Antos
Ricky Jones, RN-RNBS

Outstanding Contribution to Community Service Award

Awarded to a student who contributes to the community through volunteer work or special projects.

Congratulations to the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Community Service Award!
Cassidy Baltierra

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Student Speaker

For each commencement ceremony, one graduate is chosen to speak on behalf of the graduating class. To be selected for this honor, students must not only demonstrate academic success, but they must also exemplify the values of our institution.

Congratulations to Kathryn Gratza, who is earning her Doctor of Nursing, Nurse Anesthesia Specialization!

Candidates Commissioned as Second Lieutenants and Members of Honor Societies

In the program, you will see that recipients of baccalaureate degrees who are graduating cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude are noted by one, two and three asterisks, respectively. They also wear cords on their academic regalia indicating their honors. In addition, candidates who are Honors Scholars are indicated in the program with a capital “H.” Also listed in your program are graduates who will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army and Air Force.