CSU Fall Commencement Celebrates Renewal and Transformation

First Commencement for University 12th Permanent President 

(Chicago, IL) – Chicago State University honored its new graduates at the 2018 Fall Commencement ceremony on Thursday, December 13, 2018 in the Jones Convocation Center.  The packed stadium was filled with joy, pride and cheer as the ceremony began with a heartfelt congratulatory message from University President Zaldwaynaka Scott, Esq.

“For today is a celebration, not only of your academic accomplishments, but also of the accumulative accomplishment of everything you have had to overcome to get here today.”, said President Scott, Esq.   The 363^rd commencement ceremony was the first for the University’s recently selected president; as well as the first for more than three dozen families that gathered to celebrate their loved ones that stood in unison during the ceremony to acknowledge they were the first to graduate in their family. 

Commencement speaker, Dr. Suzet McKinney,CEO and Executive Director of the Illinois Medical District Commission, encouraged graduates to stay focused and ignore the “naysayers”.  A Chicago native, Dr. McKinney shared her story about how she climbed the corporate ladder even when met by adversity; she continued her education and achieved her highest goal to lead one of the nation’s largest urban medical districts.

Among those graduating was Julianna Torres an international student athlete from Joinville, Brazil.  Torres received a bachelor of arts degree in Communications, Media, Theatre and Arts.  She graduated with the highest honor of Summa cum laude, maintaining a 4.0 gpa. “I am very thankful for Chicago State University, the department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Coach Reeves for allowing me to be what I am today,” said, Torres.  She plans to pursue her Masters degree in sports management.

Also among those graduating was Devon Q. Horton, Ed.D who earned his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership.  Horton is currently the Chief of Schools for Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky.  

The students joined thousands of alumni worldwide who graduated from the University since it opened in 1867.