Congratulations Graduates!
May 2024 Ceremony
Friday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m.
State Farm Center
Find more information about the ceremony including the link to register on the May 2024 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony event details page.
For a complete list of the May 2024 Convocation Ceremonies happening across campus, please visit the Commencement Office website.
If you have difficulty viewing this embedded livestream, visit this link.
A Message from the Dean
We are immensely proud to host this celebration of our graduates who have earned the highest degree, the doctorate, along with faculty mentors.
Doctoral hooding is a symbolic gesture that represents the culmination of scholarly and personal achievement. During the ceremony, the hood is placed over a student’s head by a mentor or senior scholar, marking the transition from learner to producer or contributor in one’s field. It recognizes their academic achievements and welcomes them into the community of scholars.
Illinois has a rich tradition in doctoral education. Our first two doctor of philosophy degrees were awarded in 1903, one in Chemistry and one in Mathematics. That was over 100 years ago. The graduates celebrated this term join generations of distinguished alumni who are leaders and innovators, impacting the lives of people around the world. I am confident that these graduates, with their commitment and perseverance, will use their knowledge and expertise to shape our future in profound ways.
If you are a graduate, we hope that you’ll join us for the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony to celebrate of all you have accomplished, surrounded by the family, friends, mentors and colleagues who helped you succeed.
Sincerely,
Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko
Dean of the Graduate College