Photos from the 2014 Fall Commencement Ceremonies can be seen here!
The week before Christmas, Purdue University Calumet held its 68th Commencement Ceremony at the Fitness and Recreation Center on the university's campus. Family, friends, university faculty and staff, and the graduates themselves were ready and excited to recognize their long awaited goals and dreams.
There were two ceremonies that day. The first was held in the morning for the Colleges of Business, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and Technology, and then the next commencement took place that afternoon for the Colleges of Education, Nursing, Engineering, Mathematics and Science. Each one meant something to all who attended. Whether it was for a young man looking to take on the world of business, a mom going for her master's, an aspiring education major, or the dad who wanted to make a career change, this marked a major milestone for many.
"I'm excited but a little bit nervous," Luis Murillo, a civil engineer graduate said before the commencement. "It's a big day for me and many others."
Graduates sat in rows in the middle of a large gymnasium, surrounded by their loved ones. Some were getting their master's degree, some their baccalaureate, some posed for quick selfies with their friends, and others had decorated their mortarboards. But they were all excited and ready to become Purdue Alumni.
"This is a wonderful day in the lives our candidates and we are pleased to bestow upon them symbols of academic achievement," Thomas L. Keon, Professor and Chancellor at Purdue Calumet said to the crowded room. "I know how proud of the candidates you all must be, but they owe a good portion of their success to your love and support."
The guest speaker for both commencements was Chris White, Publisher of the Times Media Company. He encouraged the graduates with three key points: never stop learning, find ways to say "Yes", and create the world that they wished to live in.
"Congratulations! You've worked hard, you've endured, and you've overcome. And we're here to celebrate your achievement," White said. "Keep on innovating. You're unique. Each of you is unique. No one can replace you. If you stay true to your dreams and do the work that you are meant to do, you can have an amazing impact on our world."
Toward the end of each commencement, Chancellor Keon presented Chancellor Medallions to graduating seniors with the top grade point averages in each of the university's academic colleges and other distinguished baccalaureate degree graduates also were recognized for their achievements. This graduating class raises the number of degrees awarded at Purdue Calumet to over 51,000.
Daniella Zomparelli, a new graduate, loved her time at Purdue Calumet.
"I loved my time at Purdue Calumet. I learned a lot and they helped me every step of the way. I'm very proud of this moment. I'm ready to take on the next challenge of my life now and I'm motivated to get my career going," she said.
Congratulations to the Purdue University Calumet 2014 graduates! We're looking forward to watching you change the world!