Forever SIU and Commencement

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Forever SIU and Commencement

May 24, 2013, Kevin Taylor

The first ever ‘Forever SIU’ enjoyed a warm reception by all those in attendance. A festive event celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2013, ‘Forever SIU’ ran from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 11, 2013. in the SIU Arena parking lot. Attendees were treated to live music by Mike and Joe as well as refreshments and beverages. Local food vendors, vineyards, and breweries, as well as official SIU retailers 710 Bookstore and SIU Bookstore, were also present offering their wares to celebrants.

The celebration began at 6:30 p.m. with a welcome speech from Chancellor Rita Cheng. Mike and Joe, the Chicago-based cover band, sent festivities into full swings from 7 to 9 p.m. while attendees mingled with the deans and faculty members of various colleges.

The College of Applied Sciences and Arts had a great turnout with Dean Andy Ju An Wang, Associate Dean Joan Davis, and the College staff coming out to meet the graduates. The College had representatives from all four schools in attendance; the School of Allied Health, the School of Architecture, the School of Information Systems and Applied Technologies, and the School of Transportation. "It was wonderful to see students and their families enjoying the music, food and conversation: A great time was had by all," reflected Associate Dean Joan Davis.

Also present were CASA Ambassadors Chris Bond and Heidi Myszka. Chris graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Electronic Systems Technologies and Heidi graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Dental Hygiene. We are very proud of all of our CASA ambassadors and wish them the best in their future careers.

The following day students and family as well as faculty and staff returned to campus at the SIU Arena for commencement ceremonies. The ceremonies proceeded as follows:

  • 9:00 a.m. – Colleges of Liberal Arts and Science and Schools of Law and Medicine
  • 1:30 p.m. – Colleges of Business and Education and Human Services
  • 6:00 p.m. – Colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Applied Sciences and Arts, Engineering and Mass Communication and Media Arts

This was SIU's 137th commencement ceremony in the SIU Arena. More than 3,600 candidates for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees crossed the stage over the three separate ceremonies. The University also honored four alumni (Pamela and Philip Pfeffer, Dr. Robert Murphy, and Ella Phillips Lacey) during commencement for their service, commitment and humanitarian efforts.

Here is a slideshow of the College of Applied Sciences and Arts participating in the events prior to, during, and after the ceremony.

SIUC Casa's Graduation 2013 ablum on Photobucket