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The Fall 2025 commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, Dec. 20.
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Fall 2025 Commencement Set for Dec. 20

December 15, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - - An esteemed ceremony acknowledging the academic and personal triumphs of Western Illinois University students and alumni is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 in Macomb. This special event will honor graduates at all levels, representing both the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses.

There are 441 students eligible to participate in the Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony, which includes 229 undergraduate students; 211 master's-level graduate students; one student earning their doctoral degree in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.): Marva Bowen-Neptune (Brooklyn, NY).

Ceremony Live Stream
The ceremony will be available via live stream on WIU's YouTube channel.

Commencement Program
This semester's Commencement program is available online at bit.ly/3D3zX7c.

Alumni Achievement
This year's Alumni Achievement Award recipients are exemplary individuals who have left an indelible mark in their respective fields. Their outstanding contributions will be celebrated during the ceremony.

The Western Alumni Achievement Award is given to alumni who have made outstanding contributions in one or more of the following ways: exceptional accomplishment in their chosen field, exceptional service in local, state or national affairs and exceptional service in support of the advancement and continued excellence of WIU.

This year's recipients are Lori Torgerson Chesser, Matthew M. Cuplin, Robert H. Haley, Sr. and Matthew Toland. Their achievements are a testament to their dedication and impact in their respective professions and service to WIU.

Flags
Flags of 19 nations will be displayed in Western Hall, representing students in the Fall 2025 graduating class. The flags represent the following countries: Antigua, Bangladesh, Barbados, China, Dominica, Germany, Ghana, Grenada, India, Iran, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda and the United States. WIU was home to students from 61 countries during the Fall 2025 semester.

Gonfalons and Gonfaloniers
Since their debut in the Fall 2009 Commencement ceremonies, WIU gonfalons — banners hanging from crossbars on poles — have become a cherished tradition. They represent the University, the School of Graduate Studies and each of the four academic colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business and Technology, Education and Human Services, Fine Arts and Communication and WIU Libraries.

Photos
Each graduate will have their photograph taken as they receive their diploma cover. Proof sheets will be sent from WIU's Photography and Design Production office to each graduate, along with instructions for ordering photos.

Open Ceremonies; ADA Requests
A sign language interpreter will be available during the ceremony and assistive listening devices will be provided to the public at the table located south of the stage in Western Hall.

Disability Accommodations
Students in need of accommodations for the ceremony should reach out to the Student Development and Success Center at (309) 298-1884. Staff will be present at all commencement ceremonies to assist with disability seating for guests.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing