Graduates admire the fireworks display at the conclusion of UW–Madison’s spring commencement ceremony at Camp Randall Stadium at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on May 11, 2024. The outdoor graduation was attended by more than 7,500 bachelor’s, master’s and law degree candidates, plus their guests. (Photo by Bryce Richter / UW–Madison)
“The commencement ceremony was amazing! It was beautiful weather and impactful advice from our Keynote Speaker and Student Body President!”
As we look back on another successful commencement weekend, these words from a member of UW–Madison’s Class of 2024 highlight just how meaningful the celebrations of nearly 8,600 newly-minted graduates’ academic achievements were for these students and their loved ones.
Left to right: Aaron Apel, RO student employee Emma Gallian, and Will Lipske at Commencement.
The Class of 2024 grappled with challenges unlike anything the university has experienced in its 175-year history. The COVID-19 pandemic meant many missed out on milestones capping off their final months of high school. Once they arrived on campus, in addition to the usual adjustments to campus life, these students were forced to grapple with a dramatically different university as we in the Division of Enrollment Management worked tirelessly to support them in achieving their educational goals during unprecedented times.
It’s fitting, then, that their entire senior year was a celebration – of the university’s
demisemiseptcentennial and of their triumph in the face of adversity. When you’ve missed out on years of quintessential UW experiences that generations of alumni have perhaps at times taken for granted, those moments – singing along with the MadHatters, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with friends and alumni during Varsity, even chatting with classmates outside a large lecture hall – become even more meaningful.
Left to right: Dani Creasey and Aaron Apel at Commencement.
Putting together a commencement ceremony is no small feat, but as the old saying goes, many hands make for light work. Whether you took part in this year’s ceremonies or not, your hands helped lay the foundation for a successful send-off. The work begins long before the stage is set up in the north end zone of Camp Randall; everything from school visits to processing financial aid awards to supporting enrollment shapes the student experience and helps our graduates feel what makes this institution special.
We couldn’t do it without the hard work of each and every one of you in DEM, and you should be proud of your role in supporting these students.
On, Wisconsin!
-Scott Owczarek, Associate Vice Provost and Interim Director of the Office of Student Financial Aid, and Beth Warner, Interim University Registrar