The University of Wisconsin-Platteville awarded degrees to 1,037 graduates during its 216th commencement ceremonies on May 16 at Bo Ryan Court in Williams Fieldhouse. Chancellor Tammy K. Evetovich congratulated the graduates and spoke about the importance of their achievement. “Take time to reflect on how far you have come,” Evetovich said. “Remember, growth happens when we stretch ourselves, embrace new challenges and step into the unknown.”
Family members, friends, faculty and staff attended three separate ceremonies honoring students from the College of Liberal Arts and Education; the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science; and the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture.
Jack Salzwedel served as principal speaker for each ceremony. Salzwedel is a retired chairman and CEO of American Family Insurance who was appointed by Governor Tony Evers in 2024 to the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents.
The first ceremony at 9 a.m. recognized 319 graduates from the College of Liberal Arts and Education. Leah Hammill delivered the senior address for this group while Payton J. Schmitz, Austin J. Bradley, Jaelyn R. Stadler and Lily M. Simon were named valedictorians.
At 12:30 p.m., another ceremony honored 357 graduates from the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science with Tony Kaseman as senior speaker; Edward Robert Paulson III was named valedictorian.
The final event at 4 p.m. celebrated candidates from the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture totaling 361 students graduating this year. Agiimaa “Agii” Kerwin addressed her peers as student speaker after earning dual Bachelor’s degrees in integrated supply chain management and business management; Cora Brooks and Kaitlyn Davis were recognized as valedictorians.
Videos from all ceremonies are available online through UWPlatt.edu/commencement with additional photos posted on UW-Platteville’s official Facebook page.
