University News

WIU Fall 2023 Commencement Dec. 16

December 12, 2023

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL — An esteemed ceremony acknowledging the academic and personal triumphs of Western Illinois University students and alumni is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 in Macomb. This special event will honor graduates at all levels, representing both the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses.

The number of students eligible to participate in the Fall 2023 Commencement ceremony is 646, which includes 381 undergraduate students, of which 60 are in the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies degree program; 262 are master's-level graduate students; and four students are earning their doctoral degree in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.): Susan Kaye Cangro (Macomb, IL), Ann M. Smith (Decorah, IA), Fanbin Zeng (Guangzhou, China); and one in Environmental Science: Large River Ecosystems (PhD) Terri Lynn Tobias (Augusta, IL).

Ceremony Live Streams
The ceremonies will be available via livestream on WIU's YouTube channel.

Commencement Program
This semester's Commencement programs are available online at bit.ly/49Ct8oS.

Alumni Achievement
This year's Alumni Achievement Award recipients are exemplary individuals who have left an indelible mark in their respective fields. Their outstanding contributions will be celebrated during the 9:30 a.m. ceremony.

The Western Alumni Achievement Award is given to alumni who have made outstanding contributions in one or more of the following ways: exceptional accomplishment in their chosen field, exceptional service in local, state or national affairs and exceptional service in support of the advancement and continued excellence of WIU.

This year's recipients are Matthew J. Bierman, Roy Albiani and Brian T. Savage. Their achievements are a testament to their dedication and impact in their respective professions and in service to Western Illinois University.

Flags
To celebrate the Fall 2023 graduating class, flags from 14 nations will be proudly displayed. This display, sponsored by Western's Center for International Studies, represents the following countries: Bangladesh, Cameroon, China, France, Ghana, Grenada, India, Iran, Italy, Nepal, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Spain.

Western welcomed students from 60 different countries, highlighting its diverse and inclusive community.

Gonfalons and Gonfaloniers
Since their debut in the Fall 2009 Commencement ceremonies, WIU gonfalons, which are banners hanging from crossbars on poles, have become a cherished tradition. They represent the University, the School of Graduate Studies and each of the four academic colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business and Technology, Education and Human Services, and Fine Arts and Communication. Additionally, gonfalons celebrate the Centennial Honors College and WIU Libraries.

Photos
Each graduate will have their photograph taken as they receive their diploma cover. Proof sheets will be sent from Western's Photography and Design Production office to each graduate, along with instructions for ordering photos.

Open Ceremonies; ADA Requests
For the WIU-Macomb commencement, sign language interpreters will be available during the ceremony and assistive listening devices will be provided to the public at the table located south of the stage in Western Hall.

Disability Accommodations
Students in need of accommodations for the ceremony should reach out to the Student Development and Success Center at (309) 298-1884. Staff will be present at all commencement ceremonies to provide assistance with disability seating for guests.

For more information, visit wiu.edu/commencement.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing