News

The positive impact that Southern Illinois University Edwardsville enjoys in the region and, in increasing measure, across the country, is due to its esteemed alumni. This weekend, SIUE hosts its second annual Golden Graduation Reunion to celebrate and welcome back to campus those who graduated 50 years or more years ago from the University. 

Approximately 33 Golden Graduates and their guests will take part in the weekend that includes an honoree reception, campus bus tour and commencement ceremonies, according to Cathy Taylor, director of constituent relations and special projects with the SIUE Foundation. 

“Our Golden Graduates are an important part of SIUE’s rich history,” Taylor said. “They are important to our story, because they can share about SIUE’s beginnings, and they are thrilled to see how the University has grown and expanded over the years. 

“It is exciting for students to see them cross the platform during commencement and receive their commemorative medallion,” Taylor continued. “In 50 years, that could be them returning to campus.” 

SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, who devised the idea of honoring Golden Graduates, will make special reference to them in his commencement address. 

James E. Mussulman, instructor in the School of Business’s Department of Computer Management and Information Systems (CMIS), has been working at the University for the past 23 years. He and his wife, Donna, will participate in the Golden Graduates ceremony. 

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Mussulman, who earned his bachelor’s in English in 1968 and a master’s in business administration in 1996. Donna Mussulman earned her bachelor’s in from the Department of Art & Design in 1968 and a master’s in elementary education in 1975. 

“It’s a nice way to honor those of us who have been out for a while,” Mussulman continued. “Those who have been away from campus will be able to see how it has grown, expanded and become more beautiful.” 

 A roundup of the weekend events:

• Honoree Reception - 4-4:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, Lukas Annex, Cougar Pavilion. Chancellor Randy Pembrook will host.
• Campus Bus Tour – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5, Departing from Birger Hall.
• Commencement – 5 p.m. Saturday, May 5, Vadalabene Center. The highlight of the weekend features the Golden Graduates in the commencement ceremony. 

For more information, visit Golden Graduates events or contact Taylor at cattayl@siue.edu.

Photo courtesy of SIUE Library Information Services:

Graduating students lined up prior to spring commencement on June 8, 1968. 

Seated graduating students looking west toward the platform party and speakers on June 8, 1968.

View of new General Office Building (later Rendleman Hall) under construction, as seen from Lovejoy Library on May 16, 1968. 

Aerial view of SIUE campus on April 29, 1968.