You are whole. You are worthy. You are proven. You are here....

Kenosha, WI.- The University of Wisconsin-Parkside proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 on Saturday, May 16, as more than 500 graduates took their well-deserved steps across the stage at the Spring Commencement ceremony in the De Simone Arena in the Sports and Activity Center.

Johannes Britz, a Regent for the Universities of Wisconsin, congratulated students on behalf of the Board of Regents and emphasized the importance of education saying "It's truly a remarkable accomplishment. I hope you find your dream job, a promotion or a different job." Britz quoted Nelson Mandela, "It's in your power to make a difference in the lives of other people." Dr. Johannes Britz is the Senior Vice President for the Universities of Wisconsin Division of Academic and Student Affairs and a Universities of Wisconsin Regent. He holds two doctoral degrees from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Britz currently serves on the editorial board of multiple academic journals and is a member of national and international committees in higher education as well as a member of the South African Academy for Science and Art.

In her remarks, Chancellor Dr. Lynn D. Akey congratulated the graduates, and celebrated their journeys, courage and determination. "You earned more than a degree. You developed the ability to ask hard questions, work across differences and navigate, and contribute meaningfully. Today I ask you, carry three things with you. First, carry confidence. You belong in the spaces you will enter.

Trust your preparation and your ability to grow. Second, carry connection. Stay grounded in relationships, in your communities, your family, and your Parkside network. This university will always be part of your story. And third, carry responsibility. Use what you have gained here to make a difference. Lead with integrity. Measure success not only by what you achieve but by how you contribute," Chancellor Akey said.

The ceremony also recognized four Outstanding Graduate Award recipients: Ryan Andrus (Elementary Education), Sidney Finnigan (Sociology and Criminal Justice), Sophia Lefeber (Graphic Design), and Tiffany Brown (Sport Management), who were honored for their academic achievements, leadership, and contributions to the university community.

Radhika Ramesh, the recipient of the Chancellor's Award, is a driven Biological Sciences major whose path to medicine has been shaped by curiosity, teaching and community. As both a dancer and student instructor, she learned to understand the body through movement and mentorship, which sparked her interest in how care is practiced across cultures. She spoke on behalf of the graduates as the student commencement speaker and encouraged them, "Wherever we go next, I hope we continue striving to be the best version of ourselves. Not the version that appears most perfect for others, but the most genuine to ourselves. Because we are beyond any title that we are given, and our worth is reflected not simply in achievement, but all the internal growth that we go through, the resilience and the character we have cultivated so far," Ramesh said. Radhika closed by saying "I wish each and every one of us courage, growth and authenticity in whichever path that we take."

This year's commencement speaker, Rae Livingston, is the Founder and Principal of Vision Loading. She delivered an uplifting and inspiring address to the graduates, "Your purpose is way too big. Your calling is way too powerful. Your greatest impact will come from the rooms you enter, the conversations you have up close, and the courage that you show when choose connection over convenience." She continued, "Reinvention will carry you. Curiosity will open doors. Courage will steady you. Your preparation will lead you. Gratitude will ground you, and grace in critical moments will absolutely define you. You are whole. You are worthy. You are proven. You are here. You are enough." She shared personal stories, words of wisdom, and encouraged the graduates to rise in moments of hardship and to choose versatility, grace, and presence. She concluded, "The world is ready for you. Are you ready to become who you were meant to be?"

Fun Facts About the Spring 2026 Graduates:
• 511 total graduates.
• 383 students are undergraduates, and 128 are earning master's degrees.
• 39 master's degree graduates also earned bachelor's degrees at UW-Parkside
• 201 students, or roughly 53% of undergraduates, are the first in their families to attend college.
• 192 students, or 50% of undergraduates, started as transfer students.
• 20 graduates previously participated in Youth Options, Early College Credit Program, or Parkside Access College Credit programs in high school.
• These graduates come from 17 states across the country outside Wisconsin (including Alaska) and 12 countries outside of the U.S.
• 20 students are veterans or Active Duty.
• The average age of undergraduate degree candidates is 26 years old; the average age of master's degree candidates is 35 years old.
• The youngest undergraduate completing their degree is 20 years old; the oldest is 64
• The youngest master's graduate is 21; the oldest finishing today is 66 years young

About UW-Parkside

Since its founding in 1968, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside has been a trusted partner for the region's higher educational needs, empowering students to thrive, advancing applied knowledge, and developing talent for the future. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates and pre-professional programs, designed to foster personal and professional growth through real-world and impactful learning experiences. Located in the dynamic Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, UW-Parkside offers unmatched access to world-class internships, professional networks, and endless career-building opportunities, placing students at the center of it all.