News Release

Wilmington University to Celebrate Winter Commencement on Sunday, February 7

2,150 graduates will have degrees conferred in ceremonies from the University's six academic colleges.

Wilmington University will award 2,150 degrees in its traditional commencement ceremonies at the Chase Center on the Riverfront on Sunday, February 7. This marks the 45th Commencement conducted by the University and represents one of the largest graduating class to date.

The class of 2016 is part of a total Wilmington University enrollment of more than 21,000 students. Its alumni number over 40,000.

Three consecutive ceremonies honoring graduates of the university’s six academic colleges will take place a the following times:

9:30 a.m.     College of Arts and Sciences

College of Business (Undergraduate)

College of Health Professions (Undergraduate)

                      College of Social and Behavioral Sciences  

1:00 p.m.     College of Business (Graduate)

College of Education (Undergraduate)

College of Health Professions (Graduate)

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (Graduate)

4:00 p.m.     College of Education (Graduate)

                      College of Technology (Undergraduate and Graduate)

University President Dr. Jack Varsalona will deliver the customary greeting to the graduates and their families and will hand degrees out to each individual student. Executive Vice President Dr. LaVerne Harmon will address the unique qualities of the 2016 graduating class and Dr. James D. Wilson Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs, will present the candidates for their degrees.

A select number of undergraduate and graduate degree recipients are set to receive academic awards. Chief among these are the President's Award and the Trustees Award. Student award winners are not made aware that they will be receiving their awards prior to their graduation ceremony.

Each ceremony features a student speaker specially selected by the University for their exemplary academic performance and service to the community. In order of the ceremony time during which they will speak, the speakers are: 

David J. Andrews

David is an MRI technologist with Inspira Imaging Center in Vineland, New Jersey. He
receives his Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Health from the College of Health
Professions with a 4.0 grade point average (GPA)

Marisa A. Erdman

Marisa is the vice president of marketing at L.T.C. Corporation in Chester County,
Pennsylvania. She accepts her Master of Business Administration degree from the
College of Business with a 4.0 GPA.

John J. Vogel

John receives his Master of Elementary Education (K-6) from the College of Education with
a 3.9 GPA. John and his family founded a nonprofit organization that benefits and
raises research funding for children with cancer.

Graduate Information

All graduating students who will be attending the ceremonies are asked to arrive at the Chase Center 1 hour before their designated College commencement time. Each student should report first to the Check-in Desk then proceed to the Student Robing Room to prepare for their procession to the ceremony. Graduates should  refer to the web page at www.wilmu.edu/graduation for additional instructions and guidance.

All three commencement ceremonies will be live-streamed via Wilmington University’s website. Those who are interested but unable to attend can go to http://www.wilmu.edu/graduation/live to watch one or all of the events.

Audience and Attendee Information

Due to fire regulations, only ticketed attendees, Wilmington University faculty, University staff and the media will be permitted to enter. Plan to arrive early as parking and seating will be at full capacity. All attendees must check in at the receiving desk at the Chase Center main entrance. 

The media are asked to check in at the Media Relations desk in the Chase Center lobby.

 

About Wilmington University

Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit institution committed to providing flexible, career-oriented, traditional and online associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Ranked as the third fastest growing doctoral institution in America 2003 – 2013 by The Almanac of The Chronicle of Higher Education, affordable tuition, academic excellence and individualized attention are hallmarks of the University that enable greater student success in their chosen careers. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636), via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu, or visit our website: www.wilmu.edu. 

Published: Wednesday, February 3, 2016 - New Castle, DE