University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is preparing for its 150th graduating class this weekend. Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 13th at 9:30 a.m. at Memorial Stadium and close to 40 convocation ceremonies for colleges, schools, and departments will take place throughout the weekend.
Laura Wilhem-Barr, Senior Director of Special Events for the Office of the Chancellor at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has been preparing for her eighth commencement with the university. “We touch just about every aspect of graduation week. From regalia for faculty and students, to communications, and facilities and services for the unit convocation ceremonies as well.”
Planning for the next commencement starts immediately after the previous one ends. “I have a checklist for commencement and it starts right in June,” said Wilhelm-Barr. “We evaluate how the previous year went and what changes need to be made. It’s wonderful when we are able to have a speaker lined up ahead of time and that’s one of the first things we hope to do.”
Comedian, author, actor, and woodworker Nick Offerman (BFA 1993, Theatre) will be the commencement speaker for Class of 2017. “He has been on our list for a long time,” said Wilhelm-Barr. “He is an accomplished alum and has a great connection to University of Illinois and talks about how it has transformed his life. He is generous about coming back to help with The Japan House and other efforts across campus. We’re thrilled that he could join us this year and be a part of the celebration.”
There are extra celebrations happening this year, the sesquicentennial of UIUC’s founding. Historical images and information about commencements past are in this year’s program and 150th anniversary images will be on the stage. “We have one surprise at the end of the ceremony for graduates as a part of that sesquicentennial,” hinted Wilhelm-Barr.
The university is expecting a larger audience than usual, with more graduates, families, and friends attending. Commencement brings fond memories for Wilhelm-Barr. “I loved when Michael Hopkins was our Commencement speaker, fresh off the International Space Station.” Hopkins (BS 1991, Aerospace Engineering) was a walk-on and eventual captain for the Illini football team. “He was our first speaker at Memorial Stadium, and [as a former football player] the building was of importance to him. He talked about perseverance, and while he has accomplished a lot, he had challenges to overcome throughout his life.”
“The past four years we’ve been at Memorial Stadium,” she said, noting the previous location was for separate graduation events in the State Farm Center. “I love the experience outside with everyone together. It’s a true campus-wide event, and it has all the pomp and circumstance you’d want for a big university commencement.”