Fall 2019 Commencement

Thursday, December 19, 2019, Chicago State University held it’s 365th Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center.

The year-end ceremony opened with a procession of faculty, administrative staff, graduates and speakers.  Dr. Leslie Roundtree, Provost and SVP of Academic Affairs, began the ceremony with acknowledgments, followed by the welcome address from President Zaldwaynaka Scott.  Chairwoman of CSU’s Board of Trustees, Andrea Zopp expressed how proud she was of the graduates and their success.  Graduating student speaker, Ashley Walker, who graduated with a bachelors degree in Chemistry spoke to the audience about her experiences at CSU, the knowledge gained and the opportunities she had to participate in research programs around the country.  Ashley plans to pursue her Ph.D. in astrochemistry.  Commencement speaker Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton applauded the graduates for their perseverance and dedication to succeed and complete their degrees.  She reminded them of the importance of those who helped them along the way.  “None of us get to where we are on our own,” said Stratton. 

President Scott conferred degrees for 204 students which included baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees.  Faculty and friends joined in singing the alma mater which was followed by a recessional to end the ceremony.