Your turn: College commencements mark the beginning of new opportunities for graduates
Next weekend, I'll stand on the stage of Sangamon Auditorium shaking the hands of more than a thousand University of Illinois Springfield graduates poised to start new chapters in their lives. Many of our students have jobs awaiting them, while others plan to continue their education or explore the many opportunities their degrees will unlock.
As a mother, I share the excitement that many graduates' families are experiencing. This year, I will watch my son, Andrew, achieve a milestone as he earns a master’s degree from Truman State University. I understand the pride and joy that come with seeing your child reach such an important milestone.
Not only has the Class of 2024 shown determination in their academic pursuits, but they have done so in record numbers. This year, we saw a 27% increase in the number of students eligible to participate in commencement, with 1,051 students preparing to walk across the stage out of 1,625 eligible graduates. This increase is a testament to the hard work of our students and the unwavering support of our faculty and staff.
Growing our enrollment so that more individuals can benefit from a UIS education is a key priority for us. As Illinois’ top public regional university—and the only four-year comprehensive university in Springfield—UIS is a critical contributor toward meeting the workforce needs for both the public and private sectors, especially in central Illinois. With lots of exciting initiatives and innovations on the horizon for students to take advantage of—on campus, online and in the community—the future feels bright for continued growth.
Already, we are seeing promising signs toward that end. UIS experienced an 11% increase in enrollment this fall with 4,661 students taking classes. We plan to continue to build on that success this coming fall by making it easier for students to pay for college through our new Prairie Promise program, a four-year financial aid plan that will fully cover the cost of tuition and fees for many first-time, first-year undergraduate students.
We are also working to make it easier for community college students to transfer to our campus through expanded partnerships with institutions such as Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield and Illinois Central College in East Peoria. UIS has signed new transfer agreements and is working to create clear pathways for students to earn their bachelor’s degrees.
At UIS, we stand by the conviction that every student belongs and has a place within our community. We are dedicated to creating an environment where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is a cornerstone and every individual is empowered to thrive both academically and personally.
Our graduates know that a college education has the power to transform individual lives, producing the leaders that our world needs. In a time when some have raised doubts about the value of higher education, a degree remains a critical asset in today's competitive landscape. Beyond merely serving as a qualification for employment, it equips individuals with critical thinking skills, adaptability and a broadened perspective essential for success.
Data also shows that a college degree helps graduates succeed financially. The most recent UIS Economic Impact report found that for every dollar spent toward a UIS education, graduates will see an average annual rate of return of more than 18%. Economists estimate that over their lifetime, a UIS graduate will earn over $1 million more than someone without a degree.
The graduates of the Class of 2024 will now join the ranks of over 44,000 living alumni. I hope they stay engaged with their alma mater and share their UIS experiences with future Prairie Stars. Our alumni play an important role in shaping our community and the world, embodying the values and education they received at UIS while paving the way for future generations of students.
I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments of the Class of 2024. I can't wait to see where their journeys will lead.
Janet L. Gooch is the chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Your turn: College commencements mark new opportunities for graduates
