CARBONDALE (SIU NEWS) — The academic achievements of nearly 2,000 Southern Illinois University Carbondale students will be celebrated during spring 2025 commencement exercises May 9-10.
Festivities start with the SIU Simmons Law School commencement on Friday, May 9, at Shryock Auditorium. On Saturday, May 10, Banterra Center will hold two commencement ceremonies.
As of mid-April, there are 1,971 candidates for degrees and certificates, including 1,299 candidates for bachelor’s degrees, 419 candidates for master’s degrees, 100 candidates for doctoral degrees, 71 law degree candidates, 81 candidates for associate degrees and three candidates — two of whom are also completing degrees — for undergraduate certificates.
There are two 78-year-old degree candidates, three 19-year-old degree candidates and a 20-year-old master’s degree candidate from Benton, Illinois, who earned her bachelor’s degree in agribusiness economics in May 2024. The candidates represent 13 different countries.
“Commencement shows how Salukis imagine what is possible and then achieve it,” said Chancellor Austin A. Lane. “It is such a proud moment for our graduating students and their families, which is why it’s my favorite time of year. I look forward to seeing the many smiling faces on students’ faces and hearing a lot of applause and cheers from their loved ones.”
There is no ticketing for guests, and guest seating for all of the ceremonies is on a first-come, first-served basis. The ceremonies will also be livestreamed at commencement.siu.edu/videos. The video stream will begin 15 minutes before each May 10 ceremony begins.
Here is the ceremony schedule and honorary degree and distinguished service award recipients where applicable.
Saturday, May 10
- 9 a.m. — College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences; College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics; College of Arts and Media, and the School of Education
Edward M. Benyas, who was at SIU Carbondale for 29 years and is now executive director of the Cascade Symphony Orchestra in Edmonds, Washington. Benyas is founder and director of the Southern Illinois Music Festival, which will celebrate its 21st year May 23-June 8, 2025. Benyas will receive a Distinguished Service Award in association with the College of Arts and Media.
- 1 p.m. — College of Health and Human Sciences, College of Business and Analytics, College of Liberal Arts, and the School of Medicine (SOM Ph.D. and master’s degrees only).
Reginald E. Petty, an advocate for social justice and international development for decades that includes working for the Peace Corps, is a two-degree SIU Carbondale alumnus — earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1956 and a master’s degree in secondary education in 1963. Petty will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in association with the College of Liberal Arts.
Medallions, honor cords and veteran’s cords reflect achievement
A total of 567 students who are participating in commencement exercises will wear special medallions and honor cords during the ceremonies that reflect significant academic achievement.
Among the students earning recognition:
- 260 will receive cum laude distinction, signifying a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.749.
- 151 will receive magna cum laude distinction, signifying a cumulative GPA of 3.75 to 3.899.
- 156 students will receive summa cum laude distinction, carrying a cumulative GPA of 3.9 to 4.0.
- 85 students will earn degrees with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
- 57 University Honors Program students will receive a certificate for completing 18 honors credit hours while maintaining a 3.3 GPA; four of those students also completed a 3-IN
- 28 Saluki student-athletes will earn Latin honors, and two student-athletes will also receive an honors program certificate.
In addition, graduating students in active military service or military veterans will wear red, white and blue cords provided by the university in recognition of their sacrifice, commitment and service to our country.
More information is available at commencement.siu.edu.
