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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook conferred degrees upon 1,103 graduates today at the 2020 virtual fall commencement exercises. Commencement can be viewed at siue.edu/virtual-commencement.

“You represent a wide array of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and you’ve made SIUE a stronger institution,” Pembrook said. “Thanks for making SIUE a better learning environment based on your ideas and efforts.

“As you move from being students to alumni, you also become official SIUE ambassadors. Because of your excellent preparation, we are confident that you will make an incredible difference and inspire those you meet. Through you, we achieve our mission to shape a changing world.”

SIU System President Daniel Mahony, PhD, complimented the class for persevering through an historically challenging time. “At SIUE, we talk about shaping a changing world,” he said. “We want you to have an impact, and we hope that you have a big impact on the world after you leave us, and that you come back and tell us about it. In higher education, nothing is greater than hearing about the success of our graduates.”

Six student speakers addressed their classmates and celebrated their achievements under duress, while also looking forward to making an impact in the future.

From the College of Arts and Sciences, Paulina Fuhrmann, of Collinsville, earned a bachelor’s of political science. She said the most important lesson learned was that we must always prepare for the unexpected. “I am not talking about preparing by stockpiling toilet paper,” she said. “Preparing by maintaining a strong network of people we can turn to for encouragement and support, even if virtually, or by practicing our time management, so we’re ready to adapt and stay on track. While it may seem like this year brought more bad than good, I urge you to remember that you can push through even the most challenging circumstances. After all, our dedication and determination got us to this point.”

Caitlin Phelan, of Glen Carbon, who earned a doctor of nursing practice, represented the Graduate School and praised the graduates for their resilience. “Our hard work, dedication and adaptability helped us achieve our degree and prepare us for the next chapter in our lives. A second-year graduate student advised me during a 2017 orientation session, ‘You can do it.’ 

“Hold tight to those four simple words, and the world is yours. Those words ignited a firm belief in myself, which led me here today. 2020 has certainly been a challenge for all of us, but we learned that we can persevere through tough times.”

Matthew Gregor, of Edwardsville, earned a bachelor’s of business administration, and spoke to the School of Business graduates about the COVID-19 pandemic not only changing our way of life, but also our way of learning. “Amid the uncertainties and challenges, we have displayed flexibility, creativity and perseverance,” he said. “As we transition into a new chapter in life, let us all remember what it took to get to this point. We have shown we are capable of anything. As Colin Powell once said, ‘A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.’

“We, the class of 2020, are the future leaders and pillars of our communities. Let this not be a deterrent, but motivation to continue to always exhibit diligence, honesty and integrity.”

Australia native Lara Tupper, of Gold Coast, Queensland, earned a bachelor’s of nutrition from the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. She quoted Lebanese-born American investment banker, financier, activist and author Ziad Abdenlnour, “Life is all about moments of impact and how they change our lives forever.”

“When I landed in the United States in 2017 as a 17-year-old international student, I never thought that college would have such a profound impact on me, and I am sure many of you have shared that feeling somewhere along your journey at SIUE,” Tupper said. “The vast number of challenges we’ve faced throughout this turbulent year, and more importantly how we’ve overcome them, highlight the incredible influence this class will have on the world.”

Representing the School of Engineering, Norridge native Ashley Spain, who earned a bachelor’s of civil engineering, said this class will go into the world and change it. “Whether that is by building a bridge, writing code, developing a more efficient system, or designing a new engine, our work will shape the world,” she said. “As future engineers, we are trained to look at the complexity of the world, but don’t forget to take a moment each day to notice the beauty of it.”

No students may have faced a more difficult path to graduation than the School of Nursing’s (SON). Cassidy Bruns, of Lincoln, who earned a bachelor’s of nursing, complimented the SON faculty, “The School of Nursing faculty have shown true dedication to their students as we transitioned from in-person classes to synchronous Zoom meetings, alternate simulation experiences and modified clinical experiences that allowed us to intermittently provide patient care safely in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic did not allow for a traditional route for us to obtain our nursing degrees, but our professors continued to deliver high quality education throughout this trying time. This has allowed us to develop skills such as flexibility and adaptability that will be helpful in our careers. We have developed ways to continue persevering through adversity in order to provide compassionate care to those in need.”

Congratulatory messages to the graduates can be posted and viewed on the alumni kudo board by visiting kudoboard.com.

Photo (L-R): Top Row - Cassidy Bruns, Paulina Fuhrmann and Matthew Gregor.

Bottom Row - Caitlin Phelan, Ashley Spain and Lara Tupper.