The University of Illinois Springfield will hold its 55th annual commencement during two ceremonies on Saturday, May 9, at the Bank of Springfield Center in downtown Springfield. A total of 1,020 students will participate in the ceremonies out of the 1,561 students eligible to graduate.

The 12:30 p.m. ceremony will include graduates from the College of Health, Science and Technology and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. The 5:30 p.m. ceremony will include graduates from the College of Business and Management and the College of Public Affairs and Education.

Tickets are required to attend the UIS commencement ceremonies and have been provided to each graduate for distribution to their guests. Doors to the BOS Center main hall will open one hour before each ceremony.

Overflow seating with live streaming for guests without tickets will be available in the lower level of the BOS Center. The ceremony will also be webcast live.

Honorary degree to be awarded

UIS will award an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree during the 5:30 p.m. ceremony to W. Robert Felker, a UIS alumnus who built a distinguished career in finance, holding senior leadership roles with major institutions, including JPMorgan Chase and its predecessor organizations. Over several decades, he led global futures and investment operations, served on numerous industry boards and remained actively engaged with the University of Illinois Foundation, earning recognition for his leadership and service.

Student speaker and faculty grand marshal announced

Quanisha Turner of Bartonville, Illinois, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the College of Business and Management, has been selected as the student commencement speaker.

Dathan Powell, associate professor of theatre, has been named the faculty grand marshal.

Pre-commencement events planned

Several events are planned for graduates, their families and guests before the commencement ceremonies. Admission to some commencement events is by invitation only. Updated information, including a complete list of events, is available on the commencement website.