Brenda Nedved, Haley Drucker, and Mark Reppen are the deaf and hard of hearing program’s only graduates this December. The three students are all members of the deaf community. While Nedved grew up as a child of deaf adults, Drucker and Reppen were born deaf.
Winter weather is a challenge for December graduates. No one really wants to stand in front of bare trees in a thin graduation gown and smile when it’s 30 degree outside.
Graduation Services is looking for volunteers to fill a variety of roles at the winter commencement ceremonies.
Countless hours are spent in the planning and implementation of two major student events, Welcome Week and commencement, both coordinated by the Dean of Students Office in the Division of Student Affairs.
Illinois State will award 3,523 baccalaureate degrees and 708 graduate degrees. There are 3,885 students scheduled to participate in the spring ceremonies.
When Elizabeth Rice received her master’s degree in speech-language pathology May 10, her mother wasn’t there. Five years ago, Melissa Rice died at the age of 42, a victim of domestic violence.
A variety of volunteer positions and times are available for the ceremonies on May 10 and 11.
The University will award nearly 1,075 baccalaureate degrees and more than 185 graduate degrees. Approximately 1,100 students are scheduled to participate in the ceremonies.
