## Congrats, Warhawks! From Pixels to Diplomas: UW-Whitewater’s Graduation is Level Up Time!
The air is electric, the mortarboards are flying, and the Warhawks are ready to conquer their next adventure! It’s graduation season at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, a time when years of hard work, late-night study sessions, and maybe a few too many pizza runs culminate in a momentous achievement: earning that coveted diploma. But for many students, this isn’t just the end of a chapter; it’s the start of a whole new game!
Ceremony Details and Logistics
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s spring commencement ceremonies will be held on Saturday, May 17, and Tuesday, May 20, with a total of 1,470 May and August graduates set to receive their degrees. The ceremonies will take place in the Kachel Fieldhouse at the Williams Center, with two ceremonies held on the Whitewater campus.
Morning Ceremony (10:00 a.m.)
The morning ceremony will recognize 667 undergraduate and 128 graduate students from the College of Arts and Communication, the College of Business and Economics, and the School of Graduate Studies. The ceremony will last approximately 2.5 hours and will include the recognition of graduate achievements and accomplishments, including notable achievements of graduates such as veterans, international students, non-traditional undergraduate students, and students with disabilities.
Student speaker Kylie Bilello will deliver a speech during the morning ceremony, highlighting her experiences as a student at UW-Whitewater and her involvement in various campus organizations. Commencement speaker Lynn Gardinier, a 1990 graduate and a current executive at Baker Tilly, will also address the graduates, emphasizing the importance of integrity, passion, stewardship, and belonging in both personal and professional life.
Afternoon Ceremony (3:00 p.m.)
The afternoon ceremony will recognize 526 undergraduate students and 146 graduate students from the College of Education and Professional Studies, the College of Integrated Studies, the College of Letters and Sciences, and the School of Graduate Studies. The ceremony will also include the recognition of graduate achievements and accomplishments, including notable achievements of graduates such as veterans, international students, non-traditional undergraduate students, and students with disabilities.
Student speaker Megan Hayes will deliver a speech during the afternoon ceremony, highlighting her experiences as a student at UW-Whitewater and her involvement in various campus organizations. Commencement speaker Julie Anding, a 1990 graduate and a current executive at Harley Davidson, will also address the graduates, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, hard work, and dedication to one’s goals.
Seating and Viewing Options
Seating will be available for guests without a wristband to watch the ceremony live in Timmerman Auditorium, located in Hyland Hall. A link will also be available on the Commencement website to watch the ceremony live via UWWTV. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating, as space is limited.
Accessible Seating
The commencement ceremony will be fully accessible, with drop-off locations and accessible seating available for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility. Seating will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to only those guests who require it. Wheelchair and wheelchair companion locations are scattered throughout the main level.
Student and Guest Experiences
Graduate Achievements and Accomplishments
The commencement ceremonies will include the recognition of graduate achievements and accomplishments, including notable achievements of graduates such as veterans, international students, non-traditional undergraduate students, and students with disabilities. This will provide an opportunity for graduates to share their experiences and accomplishments with their peers and families.
Among the notable achievements of graduates include 111 students who are veterans, 7 international students, 204 non-traditional undergraduate students, and 171 self-identified students with disabilities. These graduates have demonstrated perseverance, hard work, and dedication to their goals, and their achievements are a testament to the university’s commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Restroom Changing Stations and Accommodations
Restroom changing stations are located in the following areas in the Williams Center:
- Women’s restrooms (rooms 163 and 207)
- Men’s restrooms (rooms 159 and 204)
- Accessible seating for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility
- Drop-off locations for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility
- Assistive listening devices (ALD) for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
- A designated area for ASL interpreters
Additionally, the following accommodations will be available:
Guest and Family Experiences
Family and friends are encouraged to attend the commencement ceremonies to support their loved ones as they achieve this significant milestone. Guests are welcome to stay for the entire ceremony and can also watch the ceremony live via UWWTV or in Timmerman Auditorium.
To ensure a positive experience for guests, the following tips are recommended:
- Plan to arrive early to secure seating
- Bring a phone or camera to capture memories
- Take advantage of the concession stand for snacks and drinks
- Be respectful of the graduates and their families
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Graduation at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater isn’t just about walking across a stage in cap and gown. It’s a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and late-night study sessions fueled by caffeine and questionable dorm food. It’s a testament to the countless friendships forged, the mentorships built, and the personal growth experienced. It’s a springboard, launching Warhawks into a world brimming with opportunities, ready to conquer challenges and leave their mark.
This isn’t just a local milestone; it’s a microcosm of the larger story unfolding across university campuses worldwide. As a generation of young minds enters the workforce, equipped with knowledge and driven by passion, the world watches with anticipation. Their innovations, their perspectives, their resilience will shape the future. The lessons learned within the hallowed halls of UW-Whitewater, the values instilled by its professors and peers, will be their guiding stars as they navigate this uncharted territory. This isn’t just a graduation; it’s a revolution waiting to happen, and the Warhawks are at the forefront.
