Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is set to hold its commencement ceremonies on May 17 at The Sonnentag. The event will see a total of 1,415 students receiving bachelor's degrees. This includes 566 candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences, 410 from the College of Business, 356 from the College of Health and Human Sciences, and 83 from the College of Nursing.

Additionally, 166 students are candidates for graduate degrees. Within the College of Business, there are 56 master's degree candidates. The College of Health and Human Sciences has 49 master's degree candidates. The College of Arts and Sciences presents 19 master's degree candidates and 12 specialist in education degree candidates. In the College of Nursing, there are 22 doctor of nursing practice degree candidates and eight master of science in nursing degree candidates.

The commencement will be divided into two ceremonies. At the morning ceremony at 9 a.m., Gracie Hutchinson from Oshkosh will lead the national anthem, while Matthew Lehner from Waukesha will deliver “Blugold Reflections” titled “Keep Your Head Up, Champ.” John Dorschner from Winnebago will lead the alma mater.

In the afternoon ceremony at 1 p.m., Alexcia Johnson from McFarland will perform the national anthem. Zachary Jacobson from Eagan, Minnesota, will present his reflections titled “What’s Your Name?” Phoebe Miller Wolf from Glendale will lead the alma mater.

During these events, eight alumni and friends will receive recognition as UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association award winners. Steven Robbins is to receive an Honorary Alumnus Award; John Kinville, Michael LeMay, Barbara Lohse, John Noltner, and Jason Plante are recipients of Alumni Distinguished Achievement Awards; Milton and Pegeen Snoeyenbos are awarded Lifetime Excellence Awards. John Noltner is also scheduled to deliver the “Charge to the Class.”

The ceremonies can be viewed live on UW-Eau Claire's website as well as on Facebook and YouTube.