SIUE Virtual Commencement | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Ceremony Opening and Welcome

Ceremony Opening

Welcome to SIUE’s virtual commencement! Please proceed through the ceremony by clicking the side arrows, or selecting specific portions of this virtual event through the drop-down menu at the top of this image. Thank you for joining us online as we honor our spring 2021 graduates.

View the Spring 2021 Virtual Commencement Program

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National Anthem

Please stand, if you are able, for the presentation of our flag and "The Star-Spangled Banner," played by the Meridian Brass Quintet and led by Michael Hawkins, a Musical Theater Student in the College of Arts and Sciences.

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Welcome

Dr. P. Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

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Honorary Degree Recognition

Congratulations to honorary degree recipient Lawrence Heitz. In 1969, Mr. Heitz claimed the title of “first person to graduate from SIUE with an MBA.” In addition to his impressive career and significant community commitments, he established an award to recognize an SIUE School of Business faculty member for excellence in research and scholarship and is a member of the 2011 SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame. See more in the spring 2021 virtual commencement program.

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Distinguished Service Award Recognition

Congratulations to alumna, professor emerita and former SIU Board of Trustees member Dr. Shirley Portwood. An accomplished and prolific writer, researcher and storyteller, this award is bestowed in appreciation for her dedication and service to the University, and the countless students who the longtime educator positively impacted. See more in the spring 2021 virtual commencement program.

Remarks from the Chancellor

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Chancellor Pembrook's Remarks

Dr. Randy Pembrook is the ninth chancellor of SIUE and an SIUE alumnus. The University community is grateful for his leadership and commitment.

Remarks from the SIU System President

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Remarks from the President

Dr. Daniel Mahony is the 10th president of the Southern Illinois University System. His student-focused leadership greatly benefits SIUE.

School of Business Honors

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Remarks from the Dean

Dr. Tim Schoenecker, Dean, School of Business

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Student Speaker

For each commencement ceremony, one graduate is chosen to speak on behalf of the graduating class. To be selected for this honor, students must not only demonstrate academic success, but they must also exemplify the values of our institution.

Congratulations to Sam Childerson, who is earning his Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance.

Candidates Commissioned as Second Lieutenants and Members of Honor Societies

In the program, you will see that recipients of baccalaureate degrees who are graduating cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude are noted by one, two and three asterisks, respectively. They also wear cords on their academic regalia indicating their honors. In addition, candidates who are Honors Scholars are indicated in the program with a capital “H.” Also listed in your program are graduates who will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army and Air Force.