Chippewa Valley Times

Spring commencement at the University of Wisconsin-Stout is set to honor a total of 1,037 graduates on Saturday, May 4. The ceremony will see 828 undergraduate and 209 Graduate Studies students receiving their degrees. The event will be held in three separate ceremonies at the Johnson Fieldhouse.

"We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates," said Provost Glendalí Rodríguez, who will be hosting the ceremonies.

Chancellor Katherine Frank will provide remarks to the graduates and confer degrees during the commencement. Three graduates have been selected to speak at the ceremonies, representing different areas of study:

- At 9:30 a.m., Kat Schlauderaff from Chaska, Minn., will speak about digital marketing technology.

- At 1:30 p.m., Genevieve Czaplewski from Grand Island, Neb., will address the audience on applied social science.

- At 5 p.m., Sarah Jasa from St. Paul will share insights from her master’s in marriage and family therapy.

Guest speakers for the event include alumni who have excelled in their respective fields:

- Shelly Ibach, CEO of Sleep Number, will address the undergraduate students. Ibach, a 1981 UW-Stout graduate, will share her experiences in fashion design and development.

- Emily Berge, Eau Claire City Council president, will speak to the Graduate Studies graduates. Berge, a licensed professional counselor, holds degrees in human development and family studies, as well as clinical mental health counseling from UW-Stout.

- Dallas Pankowski, along with his wife Edye, will be awarded honorary doctorates for their contributions to UW-Stout and the community. The Pankowskis, owners of Pankowski Associates, have supported students through scholarships and donations towards the Recreation Complex renovation.

The ceremonies will feature music performances by various UW-Stout ensembles, including the Symphonic Band, Jazz Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Symphonic Singers, and Devil Tones Acapella.

To commemorate the event, students and members of the UW-Stout community are encouraged to share their thoughts and photos on social media using the hashtag #StoutGrad2024.

Diplomas will be sent to students within four to six weeks after final grades are issued. For more information about the commencement, individuals can contact Commencement Coordinator Britta Miller at 715-232-4052 or email commencement@uwstout.edu.