UW-Parkside Fall 2024 Graduates: “You are prepared”

Published: December 14, 2024

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside proudly celebrated the Class of 2024 on Dec. 14, as more than 400 graduates took their well-deserved steps across the stage at the Fall Commencement ceremony in the De Simone Arena in the Sports and Activity Center.

Dr. Joan M. Prince, a Regent for the Universities of Wisconsin and this year's commencement speaker, delivered a powerful and inspiring address to the graduates. Dr. Prince, a distinguished global leader and the president and CEO of Executive Strategies Elite, LLC, shared her journey of success, from growing up in Milwaukee to being appointed as a public delegate to the U.N. General Assembly by former President Barack Obama.

She emphasized the importance of leadership, community engagement, and the courage to embrace new opportunities. Dr. Prince encouraged the graduates to not only pursue their passions but also be agents of change.

"If there's something out there you don't like, work to change it - or create something new of your own," she said. "The beauty is you don't have to accept something you don't like, because you are prepared to change it and to make a difference. You are inheriting a much more complex and divisive world than you have probably expected. But because you are Rangers, you are prepared - not only for any challenges, but also to find the opportunities within those challenges."

Trever Schneider, the recipient of the Chancellor's Award, spoke on behalf of the graduates as the student commencement speaker. Schneider, a Biological Sciences major with a minor in Chemistry for Pre-Health Professionals, reflected on his journey to UW-Parkside and his growth as a student. He shared how his perspective shifted during the pandemic and how it inspired him to pursue a career in healthcare.

"As we progress toward a new chapter in our lives, we must understand that there will be days we feel incredibly stressed, overwhelmed, and even unmotivated," he said. "It is during those moments where you must tell yourself to look at the big picture. Understand that these stressful moments are a small price to pay for the extraordinary successes you all will achieve later on. Do not ever let those moments jeopardize your chances of achieving your goals. To all of you graduating alongside me today, you faced a vast number of challenges, but you put your best foot forward and overcame them."

In her remarks, Chancellor Dr. Lynn D. Akey congratulated the graduates and celebrated their varied accomplishments and readiness for the next chapter in their lives.

"At UW-Parkside, students embark upon a journey of discovery, empowerment and life-long learning," said Akey. "You have cultivated a mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing word. You are workforce prepared and career ready. Remember that the knowledge and experience you received here at Parkside provide a strong foundation to your future success."

The ceremony also recognized three Outstanding Graduate Award recipients: Grace Larson (Sport Management, Elkhorn, WI), Carly Nieman (Business Management, Kenosha, WI), and Liam Simpson (Communication, Kenosha, WI), who were honored for their academic achievements, leadership, and contributions to the university community.

The event concluded with a reception in the Petretti Fieldhouse, allowing graduates and their families to celebrate their accomplishments and reflect on their time at UW-Parkside.

Fun Facts About the Fall 2024 Graduates:

• 438 total graduates.
• 255 students are undergraduates, and 183 are earning master's degrees.
• 153 students, or 35% of undergraduates, are the first in their families to attend college.
• 159 students, or 36% of undergraduates, started as transfer students.
• These graduates come from 15 states across the country outside Wisconsin, and seven countries outside of the U.S.
• The average age of today's undergraduate degree candidates is 27 years old; the average age of master's candidates is 33 years old.
• The youngest undergraduate completing their degree is 20 years old; the oldest is 56.
• The youngest master's graduate is 22; the oldest is 64.
• 24 students are veterans or Active Duty.

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