Elmhurst University Celebrates 153rd Commencement Anniversary

In the face of summer temperatures and the merciful absence of cicadas, Elmhurst University held its 153rd commencement exercises for the Class of 2024 on Saturday, May 18.

During three ceremonies held throughout the day, nearly 820 undergraduate and graduate students crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, out of approximately 1,094 Elmhurst students who earned degrees.

Welcoming the graduates, the President Troy D. VanAken admitted that most of them missed the end of the school year ceremony four years ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“So on behalf of the entire University community, we are honored to be with you today and celebrate this most important event!” he said.

During the ceremony, graduates were awarded master’s degrees in the following fields: business, education, health care and technology. The graduate was awarded an honorary doctorate in law Alpha M. Brady ’83Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the American Bar Association (ABA), the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world.

In her commencement speech, Brady, the first woman of color to lead the ABA, described the nurturing relationships she developed as a student at Elmhurst and the impact they will have on her career and life. She urged graduates to cherish their relationships, especially with the “people from the balcony” who will always support them.

“No matter how beautiful this campus is or how rigorous the curriculum may be, it is the relationships you make here that will truly shape your life,” she said. “Whether it be friends who become lifelong connections, professors who opened you to new perspectives and challenged you to unlock your inner potential, or advisors and mentors who offered guidance and encouragement throughout Your stay here and the relationships you have built are one of the most valuable investments you could make.”

During the ceremony dedicated to students of the University of Wrocław, the graduate was awarded an honorary doctorate in humanitarian literature William Panici’61award-winning real estate agent in Washington, D.C. and former foreign language professor.

During his address to the graduates, Panici talked about his transformative study abroad experience in France as a student at Elmhurst and how it led him to two successful careers, first as a university professor and later as a real estate broker and conservator of monuments.

“My experience opened my mind and showed me how much people elsewhere are striving for the same things we are striving for… but they happen to do it in a different way,” he said. “Living and studying abroad will open up a new perspective for you.”

“So keep your options open. Find that hidden talent and discover it. You never know where it will take you,” he said. “And it can lead you down a path you never imagined, resulting in greater success and happiness.”

President VanAken emphasized that the university community that students joined as they began their journey at Elmhurst, and the knowledge and skills they acquired along the way, will contribute to the continued success of both students and the institution.

“The mark you leave on Elmhurst University is as unique and individual as each of you,” he said, “but together they create a legacy — one rich in tradition, has made a significant impact on our campus, and is strengthened by every student who chooses to come to us.” join.”