Earlier this month, I stood on the stage at Sangamon
Auditorium and shook more than a 1,000 hands as we honored the University of
Illinois Springfield Class of 2025. It was a weekend full of pride and
reflection. Commencement is one of the most meaningful times of the year for
me, and this year was no exception.
At UIS, we seek to prepare students to make a difference in
an unpredictable, rapidly changing world by providing an education rooted in
reality. A UIS degree represents more than academic achievement. It represents
the ability to think and analyze subjects critically, discuss them
constructively and apply those skills to solve real-world problems. It means
being willing to voice concerns during hard conversations, encourage respectful
debate and help others see that conflicting perspectives can deepen understanding
and enrich one another.
University of Illinois Springfield
UIS Chancellor Janet L. Gooch shakes the hands of graduates as they walk across the stage of Sangamon Auditorium during the commencement ceremony for the College of Health, Science and Technology on May 9.
Earning a college degree is a journey, and it is not always
a straight path. This year’s graduating class included students who overcame
personal hardships, returned to school after time away or balanced education
with work and family responsibilities. I want to share four stories that left a
lasting impression on me. These stories reflect the strength and resilience I
see in our students every day.
Cristian Leon-Vallejo of Decatur found his place at UIS
through the Necessary Steps Mentoring Program, which supports first-generation
students. Cristian’s commitment to reaching his goals was clear. “There were a
lot of roadblocks, but I feel proud having persevered,” he said. “Coming from a
small Latino family, UIS was really great for me, community-wise. It’s a small
campus, so you really get to know everyone.”
Jess Wilkin of New Berlin completed her bachelor’s degree in
psychology after a 15-year journey. She began in 2010 and took one class at a
time while managing marriage, raising children and caring for her parents
following a serious car accident. UIS’ flexible online programs made it
possible for her to keep going. “I set my mind to do this back in 2010,” she
said. “I had no idea how long it would take me. I had no idea what my path
would look like, but I put one foot in front of the other one course at a time.”
Matt O’Shea of Springfield also reached the finish line
after an 11-year journey. Along the way, he attended four different schools,
faced two academic suspensions, completed rehab, got married, became a father
and continued working. “There are a lot of ways that you can be successful in
life, but if you’ve committed to going to college, finish it,” he said. “It is
so important that you finish it.”
Valerie Udemba came to UIS from Nigeria and earned her MBA
this spring. As an international student, she embraced the opportunities to
learn about different cultures and to connect with the UIS community. She also
represented her fellow graduates as the student commencement speaker. “One
thing I learned about Springfield first is that everyone seemed to be very
welcoming,” she said. “It’s just like one big family. Everyone here at UIS has
been super sweet to me.”
Stories like these remind me that the UIS experience is
about more than what happens in the classroom. It is about providing support,
flexibility and community so students can thrive through all of life’s
challenges. I am incredibly proud of what our graduates have accomplished and
even prouder of who they have become along the way.
The Class of 2025 will carry with them the successes they
built as students at UIS. Their accomplishments reflect years of hard work,
personal growth and a commitment to reaching their future goals. Each milestone
achieved is a testament to their readiness for what lies ahead.
UIS has provided a foundation not only for academic success
but also for connection and support. As these graduates begin the next chapter
in their lives, UIS will continue to be a source of encouragement and pride.
Higher education is one of the most important investments we
can make in our future, as it equips individuals with the skills, resilience
and critical thinking needed to navigate an ever-changing world. As reflected
in the stories of UIS graduates – from first-generation students and working
parents to international scholars – earning a degree is more than an academic
milestone; it is a transformative journey marked by personal growth,
perseverance and community support. Investing in education is investing in
human potential – and in the strength of our shared future.
Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D., is the chancellor of the
University of Illinois Springfield.