Tag Commencement
UW–Madison recognized nationally for success in increasing graduation rates
After a host of reforms to increase student success, average undergraduate time to degree decreased to less than four calendar years for the first time in 2019 and continued to shorten in 2020. Read More
Soccer standout Rose Lavelle to address winter graduates
"I'm excited to speak with the graduates at UW, all of whom are working to achieve some important goals. Madison has always been a second home for me. The opportunity to give back to the school that gave so much to me is just a tremendous honor," says Lavelle. Read More
Student to student: A farewell to the campus I love
Saying goodbye is hard, but luckily, I have memories and friendships that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life. Read More
Business grads get their names up in lights
In a visual tribute honoring the graduating Class of 2020, the names of graduates of the Wisconsin School of Business were projected onto the side of Grainger Hall. Read More
Spring commencement 2020: A virtual party heard round the world
“You have all received a superior education here — not in my kitchen, at Wisconsin,” joked the keynote speaker, author James Patterson. “There’s never been a better time to make use of everything you learned in school. You are prepared for this." Read More
Lighting it up for the 2020 graduates
Graduates don't get to celebrate in Camp Randall Stadium and the Kohl Center this year because of the social distancing required by the COVID-19 pandemic. So to mark Saturday's virtual graduation ceremony, the UW Athletic Department lit the two venues in red Friday night to honor the Class of 2020. Read More
Student to student: 6 of the best tunes from the class of 2020 spotify playlist
Music is the gateway to the soul. Or, in this case, graduation. In anticipation of virtual commencement, the UW–Madison senior class officers have put… Read More
What to expect at virtual commencement
A first-ever virtual commencement means exploring new ways to connect to Badgers across the globe and a chance to celebrate with loved ones, whether at home or through virtual platforms. Read More
2020 Spring Commencement details announced
UW–Madison will confer nearly 8,500 degrees Saturday during a virtual commencement ceremony that will be released beginning at noon CDT. The university plans to hold an in-person event when it is safe to again gather in large numbers. Read More
Seniors to make most of online commencement, celebrating at home
“My mom is going to cook a huge gorgeous meal, we are going to drink champagne, watch the ceremony, and cry." Read More
Notable grads: A few of the outstanding students at spring commencement 2020
The coronavirus outbreak changed a lot of things at UW–Madison this semester, but the excellence of the spring 2020 graduating class was not one of them. Read More
Student forges special bond with commencement speaker James Patterson, her childhood reading hero
Marie Aguirre has become friends with Patterson and his wife Susan. She’s also been a recipient of their generosity — the couple supported her college studies with a generous scholarship. Read More
UW–Madison postpones May commencement ceremonies
Chancellor Rebecca Blank announced today that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university will not hold in-person commencement ceremonies May 8 and 9, instead offering a virtual ceremony with plans to hold an in-person event at a later date. Read More
Senior class officers announce 2020 class gift dedicated to Green Bandana Project
The senior class office will raise funds dedicated to the Green Bandana Project as part of a gift from the class of 2020. Read More
V. Craig Jordan, Michael G. Moore to receive honorary degrees from UW–Madison
Jordan, a groundbreaking cancer researcher, and Moore, a pioneer in the field of contemporary distance education, will be awarded honorary doctoral degrees during the winter 2020 commencement ceremonies in December. Read More
WATCH: ’69 strike leader to speak at spring commencement
John Felder, a leader of the 1969 Black Student Strike, will be the alumni speaker at UW's 2020 spring commencement. Read More
WATCH: Mystery solved!
The spring 2020 commencement speaker is... Read More
Novelist James Patterson to give commencement keynote; John Felder will be alumni speaker
Author James Patterson will give the spring commencement keynote address; joining him on stage will be alumni speaker John Felder, an organizer of the Black Student Strike of 1969. Read More
Viral video: Student commencement speaker’s address tops 3.5M views
Lisa Kamal, a standout geology major, opened her commencement speech by singing a few lines from the Broadway hit “Hamilton.” She went on to explain that the cast recording had become a coping mechanism for her during some dark times. It struck a chord with viewers online. Read More
Photo gallery: Winter commencement 2019
Family and friends packed the Kohl Center on Dec. 15 to celebrate with 1,200 graduates taking part in winter commencement exercises. Read More