SPRING COMMENCEMENT | MAY 16, 2020 Congratulations
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SPRING COMMENCEMENT | MAY 16, 2020 Congratulations The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is proud of the accomplishments celebrated in today’s commencement ceremony. We recognize and applaud the determination of our graduates to complete their studies. We also recognize and appreciate the help families and friends have given to make this graduation possible. Today’s virtual program is a first for you and for us. We didn’t anticipate the significant changes and challenges we would face during this your final semester at UWO. We applaud your resiliency and perseverance. The completion of a program of study is significant. It commemorates a major milestone reached while signaling unlimited opportunities for the future. It is in this spirit of hope and optimism that today we congratulate those who have now completed their studies at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Our newest graduates are an embodiment of a rich tradition of hands-on collaborative learning, academic excellence and personal growth that extends to the date the University was founded in 1871. It is this tradition that links our newest alumni with prior graduates, who are actively enriching the civic, business, charitable and political sectors of our global community. As a regional center for the celebration and promotion of knowledge, culture and innovation, our University is an integral part of the broader community. With the fresh effort and focus of today’s graduates who join us in this broader role, we envision even more opportunities that will connect our University with the region we so proudly serve. It is my honor as the 11th chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to extend this special recognition on behalf of the faculty, staff, students and alumni of the University. Sincerely, Andrew J. Leavitt, Ph.D. Chancellor, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh 2 3 UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN OSHKOSH The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh was founded as a focus on student success. The picturesque and the state’s third normal school in 1871. The Oshkosh environmentally conscious campus covers 173.5 acres State Normal School became Wisconsin’s foremost and is home to five colleges — Business, Education teacher-training institution. and Human Services, Honors, Letters and Science and Nursing. UW Oshkosh’s focus on teaching is evident In later years, as the focus and curriculum expanded, the in its distinction of having won 11 UW System Regents institution underwent several name changes. A graduate Teaching Awards of Excellence. school was added in 1963. In its centennial year of 1971, President Roger Earl Guiles guided UW Oshkosh’s The historic joining of the Oshkosh, Fond du Lac merger into the Wisconsin system. and Fox Cities campuses creates an opportunity to grow into a stronger institution: three campuses, Today, UW Oshkosh prepares students for fulfilling one university. lives and challenging careers with 67 undergraduate majors and 43 master’s degree, certificate and doctoral UW Oshkosh is committed to student success, programs spanning a wide array of disciplines academic and inclusive excellence, community engagement and economic development. Chancellor Andrew J. Leavitt leads this vibrant educational institution under a strategic plan with UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM The University of Wisconsin System is governed by the Board of Regents, an 18-member board of which 16 are appointed by the governor. The board, in turn, appoints the system president and the chancellors of the 13 universities. The current system president is Ray Cross. The board is currently comprised of Regent President Andrew Petersen, Regent Vice President Michael Grebe, Robert Atwell, Scott Beightol, Héctor Colón, José Delgado, Eve Hall, Mike Jones, Tracey Klein, Becky Levzow (Ex-Officio Member), Edmund Manydeeds III, Janice Mueller, Cris Peterson, Jason Plante, Carolyn Stanford Taylor (Ex-Officio Member), Torrey Tiedeman, Karen Walsh and Olivia Woodmansee. 4 5 CEREMONIAL TRADITIONS Academic Procession white, Bachelor of Arts; brown, Bachelor of Fine Arts; College of Letters and Science | White: Honor Cords This commencement ceremony marks a special pink, Bachelor of Music; citron, Bachelor of Social Work; Master of Arts–English Students wearing gold-colored cords have earned the occasion for students completing degree programs and apricot, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Master’s and Latin honors: offered by UW Oshkosh. The Chancellor grants degrees Associate of Arts and Science degree candidates wear College of Nursing | Apricot: by virtue of the powers vested by the UW System’s black tassels. Master of Science in Nursing *** Summa cum laude (3.9 and higher GPA) Board of Regents. In addition, academic degrees may Doctor of Nursing Practice *** Magna cum laude (3.75 GPA) only be granted upon the recommendation of the The Hoods *** Cum laude (3.5 GPA) University’s faculty. The academic hood originally was worn over the head CEREMONIAL TRADITIONS CEREMONIAL in bad weather. Now, it is added to the apparel of those Students wearing white-colored cords have earned TRADITIONS CEREMONIAL The academic procession is a featured part of the with master’s and doctoral degrees. The hood also academic distinction within their college or unit. Students commencement program—a symbolic declaration that denotes academic achievement beyond the associates wearing other cords, stoles or insignia wear them in all members of the academic community are bound by and bachelor’s degrees. recognition of scholarly achievement in a department, common purpose and shared commitment to the ideals honor society, study-abroad program or in the tradition of of higher education, including the search for meaning, The master’s and doctoral hoods display a gold and an international student’s native country. truth and understanding. white chevron, denoting the University colors. Honors College Academic Attire College of Business | Drab (tan): Students who successfully complete the Honors College The colors and apparel worn in the processional are Master of Business Administration curriculum along with their major requirements earn symbolic of the Middle Ages. Because universities Master of Science–Sustainable Management Honors College designations at either graduate or developed from church schools, both faculty and associate level, depending on their cumulative GPA: students were regarded as part of the clergy and wore College of Education and Human Services | Light blue: tt clerical clothing based on monastic dress. Doctor of Education–Educational Leadership and Policy Honors College Graduates (3.5 to 4.0 GPA) Master of Science–Educational Leadership and Policy receive Honors Medallions tt The traditional hat developed from the skull cap worn Master of Science in Education–Literacy Honors College Associates (3.2 to 3.49 GPA) in cold weather. In Europe, a bonnet with a tassel is Master of Science in Education–Professional Counseling are awarded Certificates of Recognition still worn, but in America it has been replaced by the Master of Science in Education–Special Education mortarboard cap or tam with tassel. Master of Science in Education–Teaching and Learning University Seal/Chancellor’s Medallion Master of Science–Human Services Leadership The University Seal/Chancellor’s Medallion symbolizes The bachelor’s gown, with its long, pointed sleeves, is UW Oshkosh’s history and aspirations. At the center of the medal is a fountain of knowledge, divided in three worn closed. The master’s gown has an oblong sleeve College of Letters and Science | Citron to reflect the school’s commitment to realizing the open at the wrist; the rear section is square cut. The (yellowish-green): doctoral gown often was furred, a decoration that survives Master of Social Work creative power of individuals, the value of learning as a today as the velvet on the front and sleeves. Graduate humanizing force and our aspiration to excellence. The word “learning” is centered at the bottom, serving as degree gowns may be worn open or closed. College of Letters and Science | Gold (yellow): Master of Science–Biology the foundation of the University’s mission. The stylized The tassel colors seen in the processional correspond to Master of Science–Data Science figure at the center forms the school’s initials. The outward the field of study: crimson, Bachelor of Liberal Studies Master of Science–Mathematics Education sweeping W reflects the Wisconsin Idea—education and Bachelor of Applied Studies; drab (tan), Bachelor of Master of Science–Psychology reaching to the state’s boundaries. The date of the Business Administration; light blue, Bachelor of Music University’s founding appears at the bottom, representing the importance of those who came before us. Education, Bachelor of Science in Education and Bachelor College of Letters and Science | Peacock blue: of Science–Human Services; gold, Bachelor of Science; Master of Public Administration 6 7 CEREMONY Musical Prelude ............................................................................................................................ Brass Menagerie, Brass Quintet PLATFORM PARTY Representing the Oshkosh Dean of the College of Business Student Association Barbara L. Rau AUDIENCE PLEASE REMAIN SEATED DURING PROCESSIONAL UW Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew J. Leavitt Jacob Banfield CEREMONY Processional Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 ........................................................................................ Edward Elgar, composer Dean of the College of Education Provost and Vice Chancellor for Representing