The University of Illinois Springfield held its 55th annual commencement during two ceremonies on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Bank of Springfield Center in downtown Springfield. Out of the 1,561 students eligible to graduate, 1,020 participated in the ceremonies.

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

UIS Chancellor Janet L. Gooch presided over the ceremonies, welcoming graduates and their families and encouraging the Class of 2026 to reflect on both their journey and the opportunities ahead. Drawing on the idea that “the world is your oyster,” she challenged graduates to think more deeply about what success requires.

“The real message isn’t that the world will simply open itself up to you,” Gooch said. “It’s that opportunity exists, through effort, curiosity and the courage to uncover it.”

She emphasized that the value of a UIS education lies not only in what students have achieved, but in how they will apply those experiences moving forward.

“Your UIS degree is not just a credential. It is a tool,” Gooch said. “What you choose to do with that tool—and where you choose to use it—is entirely up to you.”

Gooch also underscored the importance of purpose in defining success and impact.

“Success is not defined by geography, by job title or by the size of an organization,” Gooch said. “What matters is that it is grounded in purpose.”

The student commencement speaker was Quanisha Turner of Bartonville, Illinois, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. Her remarks were pre-recorded and reflected on her journey as an adult learner, including her break in education and experience as a first-generation student.

An honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree was awarded during the 5:30 p.m. ceremony to W. Robert Felker, a UIS alumnus recognized for a distinguished career in finance and longstanding service to the University of Illinois Foundation. Over several decades, Felker held senior leadership roles with major financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase and its predecessor organizations, and led global futures and investment operations.

The ceremonies recognized graduates from all four UIS colleges and included participation from university leadership and dignitaries. Members of the platform party included Tami Craig Schilling, University of Illinois trustee; Paul Ellinger, vice president, chief financial officer and comptroller for the University of Illinois System; Brandon Schwab, UIS provost; Jamarco Clark, UIS vice chancellor for student affairs; Jill Wilberg, UIS vice chancellor for finance and administration; and Dathan Powell, associate professor of theatre and faculty grand marshal.

Photos and videos are available on the graduation celebration website