Largest. Class. Ever.
2015-2016 University of Wisconsin–Green Bay Class to Set Records for Master’s, All Degrees and Ceremony Participants
GREEN BAY – University of Wisconsin–Green Bay officials are anticipating that Saturday, May 14 Spring Commencement will be one for the record books, setting records for both total master’s degrees and all-degrees awarded during an academic year. The University’s Spring Commencement Ceremony takes place at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Kress Events Center on the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus.
Spring commencement brings to close the University’s academic year and includes degrees earned in August and December 2015. While bachelor’s degrees are slightly down from last year, UW-Green Bay’s master’s degrees have skyrocketed and are contributing to the anticipated records.
UW-Green Bay awarded a previous high 68 master’s degrees in 2011-2012. This year, officials estimate as many as 110 master’s degrees will be awarded during the 2015-16 academic year, including 42 on Saturday. As of May 10, a total of 939 students have applied to graduate. The University is planning on 728 students participating in Saturday’s ceremony, making it the largest commencement ceremony in school history.
While the all-degree total won’t be final until mid-June when all May 2016 applicants are approved/cleared, officials are optimistic that 2015-16 will be a record-setting year with 1,375 graduates across all degrees. The University’s previous all-degree record was set in 2014-2015 with 1,360 degrees awarded.
Other stories of note related to the Spring Commencement:
Retired Tufco Technologies President, CEO Receiving Honorary Degree
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will present only its eighth honorary doctorate degree in the University’s history at Spring Commencement. The awarding of an honorary degree is a rare and momentous occasion in the life of an academic community.
On May 14, a Doctors of Law degree, which recognizes those distinguished in service to learning, the state and the common good of society, will be conferred upon Louis LeCalsey III. LeCalsey, the founding UW-Green Bay men’s soccer coach, retired President and CEO of Tufco Technologies (North America’s largest contract manufacturer of branded wet and dry wipes) and founding (and to date, only) Chair of the UW-Green Bay Council of Trustees, will accept the degree. LeCalsey is also serving as the spring commencement speaker. His presentation: “Life Lessons in Practical Leadership” shares insights from a career that includes athletics, the military, business, community and family.
Triple Major Named 2016 Outstanding Student by UW-Green Bay Alumni Association
One of five students graduating with a triple major during Spring commencement has been named the 2016 University of Wisconsin–Green Bay Alumni Association’s Outstanding Student. Senior Pamela Parish from Beloit will be honored as the 30th recipient of the award at a reception held on May 13. Parish is completing majors in Political Science, Public Administration and Environmental Policy and Planning with a minor in Global Studies. She was nominated and selected from approximately 930 graduating seniors eligible to receive diplomas at May commencement.
UW-Green Bay Professor Kumar Kangayappan Retiring After 48 years
UW-Green Bay faculty economist and Professor of Urban and Regional Studies, Kumar Kangayappan, will participate in his final commencement ceremony on Saturday after a 48-year career with the University. Kangayappan joined the UWGB faculty in 1968, the University’s first year offering upper-level courses.
The University’s senior-most faculty member, Kangayappan, has a special role in Saturday’s ceremony as macebearer. The University Mace — a ceremonial staff signifying authority — will be carried to the stage by Kangayappan during the commencement procession. The macebearer walks just ahead of the chancellor in academic processions, carrying the heavy, silver art object. It’s a nod to centuries-old academic tradition, believed to be based on medieval practice when a member of the king’s court would carry an ornate club as a symbol and also a symbolic effort of protecting the monarch.
He first served as the macebearer at the December 2011 mid-year commencement. Kangayappan taught a full load of courses through this semester and has contributed greatly in terms of institutional and community service. With the five years he taught economics in his native India, his college-teaching career dates to 1963.
Watch Commencement Remotely
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will live stream the commencement ceremony on its web page: www.uwgb.edu This link will only be active/viewable on May 14, 2016 and is not active until the event. The event will be archived.
About the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a comprehensive public institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,700 students. The University transforms lives and communities through exceptional and award-winning teaching and research, innovative learning opportunities, and a problem-solving approach to education. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.
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