EIU Media Relations

EIU Fall Commencement Ceremonies Set for Dec. 16

More than 1,560 summer and fall graduates are eligible to participate in Eastern Illinois University’s formal commencement ceremonies, scheduled to take place Saturday, Dec. 16, in Lantz Arena.

Ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Guest tickets are required for admission.

Graduates from the Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences and the College of Arts and Humanities will march in the morning ceremony, while graduates from the College of Education and Professional Studies, the College of Sciences and the School of Continuing Education (Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts in General Studies Degree) will march in the afternoon.

President Louis V. Hencken will preside over the ceremonies. Music will be provided by the EIU Wind Symphony.

Randy Bailey, a 1978 graduate of EIU, will present the “Charge to the Class” during both ceremonies. Bailey’s has worked more than 25 years in the information technology industry, including operations and leadership roles. His current business enterprise – Randy Bailey Companies LLC – has real estate investment holdings, along with strategic leadership/investment roles in two high-growth companies, First Choice Professionals and Freelinc Inc.

Also addressing graduates will be Faculty Senate Chairwoman Assegedetch Haile Mariam and Student Body President Sean Anderson, a political science major from Arlington Heights.

Representing Eastern's Board of Trustees will be Robert D. Webb of Mattoon at 10 a.m., and Leo Welch of O’Fallon at 2 p.m.

Traditionally, a commencement marshal leads the commencement procession while carrying the university mace, a symbol of honor accorded a faculty member. The commencement marshal for the 10 a.m. ceremony will be Christine McCormick, psychology professor, who will represent the Graduate School. Representing the School of Continuing Education at 2 p.m. will be James E. Painter, associate professor and chair of the School of Family and Consumer Sciences.

An EIU tradition also allows faculty members the honor of carrying the college banner for their colleges during the procession. Honorees are chosen by their respective colleges.

This year's faculty marshals for the morning ceremony are Deborah Woodley, professor in the School of Technology, representing the Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences; Wafeek S. Wahby, professor in the School of Technology, representing the Graduate School for the LCBAS; Frank G. McCormick, English professor, representing the College of Arts and Humanities; and Christopher Hanlon, assistant professor in English, representing the Graduate School for the CAH.

This year's faculty marshals for the afternoon ceremony are Susan L. Woods, health studies professor, representing the College of Education and Professional Studies; Steven R. Conn, assistant professor of counseling and student development, representing the Graduate School for the CEPS; Andrew D. McNitt, political science professor, representing the College of Sciences; Thomas A. Nelson, biological sciences professor, representing the Graduate School for the COS; and Charles Titus, assistant professor of history, representing the School of Continuing Education.

The Luis Clay Mendez Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Debra Reid, an associate professor in the history department.