Chippewa Valley Times

The Sonnentag will host its inaugural commencement ceremonies on December 21. The College of Business and the College of Health and Human Sciences candidates will receive their diplomas at a ceremony scheduled for 9 a.m. Later, at 1:30 p.m., the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Nursing candidates will have their ceremony.

In total, 596 students are set to receive bachelor's degrees. This includes 220 from the College of Arts and Sciences, 158 from the College of Health and Human Sciences, 146 from the College of Business, and 72 from the College of Nursing. Additionally, there are 63 candidates for graduate degrees. Of these, 48 are master's degree candidates in the College of Business. Twelve students are pursuing master’s degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences, while three are from the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Lauren Johnson from Richland Center will lead the alma mater during the morning ceremony as she pursues a bachelor of music education degree. Audrey van Boven from Barrington, Illinois, will perform this role in the afternoon as she works toward a bachelor of arts in music degree.

Meadow Barone from Cadott is set to deliver "Blugold Reflections" at the morning event while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English and language arts teaching. Anna Westby from Stillwater, Minnesota, will provide reflections during the afternoon session as she seeks a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Dr. Tayo Sanders will address both ceremonies with "Charge to the Class." Sanders is notable for being one of UW-Eau Claire's two Rhodes Scholars. He is also co-founder and managing partner at Arrowpoint Labs and chief business officer at Singular Immune. Sanders is among seven alumni recognized by UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association award recipients during these ceremonies.

The ceremonies can be viewed live via broadcasts on UW-Eau Claire's website, Facebook page, or YouTube channel.