University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet Gooch wrote a column about commencement that was published by The State Journal-Register on May 3, 2024. This is a short excerpt:
"Next weekend, I'll stand on the stage of Sangamon Auditorium shaking the hands of more than a thousand University of Illinois Springfield graduates poised to start new chapters in their lives. Many of our students have jobs awaiting them, while others plan to continue their education or explore the many opportunities their degrees will unlock.
As a mother, I share the excitement that many graduates' families are experiencing. This year, I will watch my son, Andrew, achieve a milestone as he earns a master’s degree from Truman State University. I understand the pride and joy that come with seeing your child reach such an important milestone.
Not only has the Class of 2024 shown determination in their academic pursuits, but they have done so in record numbers. This year, we saw a 27% increase in the number of students eligible to participate in commencement, with 1,051 students preparing to walk across the stage out of 1,625 eligible graduates. This increase is a testament to the hard work of our students and the unwavering support of our faculty and staff."