EIU Media Relations

EIU to celebrate spring commencement, class of 2024 Saturday, May 4

(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University will be buzzing with excitement Saturday as family and friends of new Panther alumni pack EIU’s Lantz Complex to celebrate the academic achievements of EIU’s most recent graduating class. More than 1,450 students are eligible to participate in Saturday’s ceremonies.

Commencement ceremonies for the University’s various colleges will take place at 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 5 p.m. May 4 in Groniger Arena in the Lantz Complex on Eastern Illinois University’s campus, 600 Lincoln Avenue in Charleston.  Undergraduates from the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Education will march in the morning ceremony, while undergraduates from the Lumpkin College of Business and Technology and the College of Health and Human Services will march in the 5 p.m. ceremony. Graduate degree students from all four Colleges will march in the 1:30 p.m. ceremony.

EIU President Jay Gatrell will preside over the day’s ceremonies. Commencement marshals will lead the processional while carrying the university mace.  This spring’s commencement marshals include Dr. Kiran Padmaraju, professor of Teaching, Learning and Foundations, 10 a.m. ceremony; Dr. Isaac Slaven, professor of Engineering Technology and Construction Management, 1:30 p.m. ceremony; and Dr. Karen Drage, professor in the School of Technology, 5 p.m. ceremony. Faculty marshals for the day include: 10 a.m.—Dr. Jennifer Buchter, associate professor of Special Education, and Dr. Assegedetch HaileMariam, professor of psychology; 1:30 p.m.—Dr. Nichole Mulvey, professor and graduate coordinator for communication disorders and sciences; Dr. Jennifer Buchter, associate professor of special education, Dr. Britto Nathan, assistant chair and professor and coordinator of graduate programs for biological sciences, and Dr. Mark Bayer, associate professor of management; and 5 p.m.—Dr. Stephen Kozlowski, assistant professor in the School of Business, and Lindsay Roberts, MSN-ED, BSM, RNC, faculty and advisor in nursing.

Special recognition also will be given to Dr. Julie Campbell, professor of English, as recipient of EIU’s Distinguished Faculty Award. This award is presented annually by the Faculty Senate to a full-time faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, professional research/creative activity and service.

Honorary degrees will be issued to Dr. Adrienne Coleman, director of DEI at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, Illinois, and Joseph Dively, former member of the EIU Board of Trustees and chair and CEO of First Mid Bancshares Inc., based in Mattoon.

The Eastern Illinois University Police Department will be helping to coordinate traffic outside and around the Lantz Complex throughout the day. Eastern Illinois University officials encourage community residents to be aware of the increased traffic around the University, and to consider alternate routes when possible.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.