News

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, conferred degrees upon 1,413 eligible graduates during fall 2022 commencement exercises, held Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16-17 in the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center. 

“This special time-honored academic ceremony allows us to collectively honor our graduates by formally conferring degrees,” said Minor. “Joyfully, we celebrate the beautiful, shared journey that has prepared this cohort of high-achieving individuals to influence communities, industry and society.” 

“This room is a powerful representation of what can happen when individuals are given the opportunity to earn a college degree,” he added. “Higher education has the power to create social and economic mobility for individuals in ways that will change the trajectory of future generations. Graduates, I am confident that you will make an incredible difference in our world and that you will inspire those you will meet. My bold ambition for this university is propelled by you, your determination, and your capacity to improve the world we live in.”  

Commencement exercises began at 2 p.m. Friday with the School of Nursing. Student speaker Catherine Kerber, who earned a bachelor’s in nursing, recognized her fellow graduates’ intelligence, determination, courage and optimism. 

“I urge you all to always recognize your own worth,” Kerber said. “Take care of and advocate for yourself the way you do for your patients. Prioritize your happiness and well-being not only so that you can take care of others, but also because you are inherently worthy and deserving.” 

Students receiving advanced degrees through the SIUE Graduate School were celebrated during a 5 p.m. ceremony on Friday. Natalie Casey spoke on behalf of the Class of 2022.  

“The magnificent thing about education is that no matter what you do from this moment forward, this is yours,” shared Casey, who earned a master’s of public administration (MPA). “I invite you, no matter your field, no matter your career, no matter your personal circumstance, to consider your influence on the world. Consider your impact, great and small. I invite you to always consider: What good shall I do today?” 

Ceremonies resumed at 10 a.m. Saturday with graduates from the School of Business and the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. Division I student-athlete Sarah Hibbeler, who earned a bachelor’s in exercise science, served as the student speaker.  

“We have all faced bumps along life’s journey – ups, downs, roadblocks and detours. These obstacles have become life lessons,” Hibbeler said. “They reset our navigation and challenged our thinking. One way or another we made it through life’s obstacle course to celebrate our achievements on this momentous day. Be proud of your resilience. Go Cougs!” 

Graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering were honored during a 2 p.m. ceremony Saturday. Student speaker Kyle Wesolowski, who earned a bachelor’s in construction management, reminded fellow graduates to remain humble and proceed as servant leaders. 

“Aside from remaining humble and working in partnership with team members, servant leaders focus on the growth and overall well-being of the people and communities to which they belong. As an SIUE graduate, you have been instilled with these core values and have developed a code of ethics. You have learned to be honorable in your profession and to place the welfare of others above your own. With effort and perseverance, there is little you can’t do. Congratulations, Class of 2022.” 

SIUE graduates are powering the workforce of today and shaping the workforce of tomorrow. Minor concluded his remarks by reminding graduates to go forth with purpose and to embrace change. 

“Life is, after all, about change and the series of subsequent adjustments,” he shared. “As you go forward, I encourage you to expect change. I encourage you to accept change, to anticipate change, to induce change in the interest of becoming a better professional, a better human being, and the best demonstration of what is beautiful about an educated citizen. Go forth with purpose and confidence. Always remember to pay it forward to those who will also be transformed by the opportunity to earn a degree at SIUE.” 

A livestream recording of each commencement ceremony is available at siue.edu/tv. 

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DZfU_drDlQ

Photos: Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, congratulates a graduate as they cross the commencement stage.

SIUE fall 2022 graduate celebrates the completion of their degree.