by Pete Rosenbery
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The academic achievements of more than 1,800 Southern Illinois University Carbondale students will be celebrated during spring 2023 commencement exercises May 12-13.
Festivities start with the SIU School of Law commencement on Friday, May 12, at Shryock Auditorium. On Saturday, May 13, Banterra Center will hold two commencement ceremonies.
As of late April, there are 1,823 candidates for degrees and certificates, including 1,214 candidates for bachelor’s degrees, 382 candidates for master’s degrees, 102 candidates for doctoral degrees, 73 law degree candidates, 50 candidates for associate degrees and two candidates for undergraduate certificates.
“Our students imagine a better world and their role in it,” said Chancellor Austin A. Lane. “Commencement is a celebration of their drive, hard work, persistence and vision. We’re proud of them and delighted to honor them for reaching this milestone.”
There is no ticketing for guests, and guest seating for all of the ceremonies is on a first-come, first-served basis. The ceremonies will also be livestreamed at commencement.siu.edu/videos.
Here is the ceremony schedule and honorary degree and distinguished service award recipients where applicable.
Friday, May 12
- 1 p.m. — SIU School of Law. Dr. Sameer Vohra, director, Illinois Department of Public Health, and J.D./M.D. graduate from the SIU School of Law and SIU School of Medicine in 2011, is the keynote speaker.
Saturday, May 13
- 9 a.m. — College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences; College of Arts and Media; College of Liberal Arts; School of Education.
John O’Neal, the prolific writer, playwright, educator and civil rights champion of the theater and the arts and a 1962 SIU Carbondale graduate in philosophy and English, will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree posthumously.
Gregory W. Webb, vice president for state government relations for Archer Daniels Midland and a 1979 SIU Carbondale graduate in agricultural economics, will receive a Distinguished Service Award.
- 1 p.m. — College of Business and Analytics; College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics; College of Health and Human Sciences; SIU School of Medicine (SOM Ph.D. and master’s degrees only).
Tammera L. Holmes, president and CEO of Chicago-based Aerostar Consulting Corp. and a 2000 SIU Carbondale graduate in aviation management, will receive a Distinguished Service Award.
SIU to award a posthumous degree
- The university will award a posthumous degree during May 13 ceremonies. Pravin Varughesewill be awarded a Bachelor of Science in criminology and criminal justice at the 1 p.m. ceremony for the College of Health and Human Sciences.
Medallions, honor cords and veteran’s cords reflect achievement
A total of 524 students who are participating in commencement exercises will wear special medallions and honor cords during the ceremonies that reflect significant academic achievement.
Among the 524 students earning recognition:
- 259 will receive cum laude distinction, signifying a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.749.
- 134 will receive magna cum laude distinction, signifying a cumulative GPA of 3.75 to 3.899.
- 121 students will receive summa cum laude distinction, carrying a cumulative GPA of 3.9 to 4.0.
- 80 University Honors Program students will receive a certificate for completing 18 honors credit hours while maintaining a 3.3 GPA; four of those students also completed a 3-credit thesis.
- 19 Saluki student-athletes will earn Latin honors, and one student athlete will also receive an honors program certificate.
In addition, graduating students in active military service or military veterans will wear red, white and blue cords provided by the university in recognition of their sacrifice, commitment and service to our country.