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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville continued its fall 2021 commencement exercises on Saturday, Dec. 18 with three in-person ceremonies at the Vadalabene Center’s First Community Arena. Chancellor Randy Pembrook conferred degrees upon the Class of 2021.

At 9 a.m., undergraduate students from the School of Business and the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior were honored. Student speaker Tonja Spires, who earned a bachelor’s in exercise science, shared her personal journey in overcoming struggles to inspire others to be resilient in times of adversity, know their worth and remember that their contribution to the world is needed.

“Don’t allow others to define your greatness based on your setbacks and struggles,” she said. “There is someone who needs to hear your story of triumphs and failures, so that they can know regardless of how large an obstacle may be, they can overcome and succeed.”

“Discover your purpose and destiny,” she urged. “Be kind to people, uplift others, persist and be resilient. Your contributions to the world are needed, and this is only the beginning.”

During the 1 p.m. ceremony for undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences and School of Engineering, the University honored Donna Richter, chief executive officer of the Southern Illinois Builders Association, with its Distinguished Service Award.

“Over the course of her career, Richter has developed a strong partnership with SIUE and the School of Engineering,” said Pembrook. “She has created numerous opportunities for students in the Department of Construction by funding scholarship, sharing industry connections and supporting advancement initiatives. In addition, Richter is active in numerous other institutions and nonprofit boards. It is my pleasure to present her with the 2021 Distinguished Service Award.”

Vernon Smith, Jr., who earned a bachelor’s in mass communications, was chosen to speak on behalf of the graduating class. He received numerous scholarships and awards during his time in the program, and served in leadership positions in several organizations.

“Be you. Be confident. Be bold. Never sell yourself short,” Smith, Jr. said. “There will be companies and employers who will look at you as just a graduate from college with little experience, who doesn’t deserve the pay he or she is worth. If you fall into that belief, you may continue to be overlooked and underappreciated. Being confident doesn’t mean avoiding constructive feedback or that you have nothing more to learn. Being confident means that you believe in your ability to learn, improve, lead, create, innovate and more.”

Pembrook, the ninth chancellor of SIUE and three-time alumnus, announced his retirement in 2021, effective in March 2022. At the commencement ceremonies, SIU System President Dan Mahony acknowledged Pembrook’s significant impact on the University during his more than five years of service.

“Dr. Pembrook is retiring after five years of service to SIUE and nearly 40 years working at various levels of higher education,” Mahony said. “In the time that he and Mary Jo have been back home at SIUE, he has provided exceptional leadership during some of our state’s and the University’s most challenging times. As system president, I have always appreciated his commitment to our students, faculty and staff, his collaborative spirit, and most importantly, his dedication to the mission of this institution.”

“Life is about change and adjustments,” Pembrook concluded. “We have undoubtedly experienced change these last 22 months. Life is about shaping a changing world through your actions. So, at the end of years of study, I encourage you to consider the words of the great American storyteller Louis L’Amour, which seem particularly relevant today for both you and me: “There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.” Congratulations to all of you. Go Cougars!”

Ceremonies will conclude with a 5 p.m. celebration for spring, summer and fall 2020 graduate and undergraduate students and spring 2021 undergraduate students who did not previously have an opportunity for an in-person ceremony.

Streamed recordings of each in-person ceremony, as well as a virtual ceremony, are available at siue.edu/commencement.

Photos: An SIUE graduate waves to his supporters during a commencement ceremony in the Vadalabene Center First Community Arena.

Student Speaker Tonja Spires addresses the audience.

(L-R) Donna Richter is presented SIUE's Distinguished Service Award by Chancellor Randy Pembrook.

College of Arts and Sciences student speaker Vernon Smith, Jr.

Chancellor Randy Pembrook congratulates graduates during his final commencement.