Always a Cougar Celebration Welcomes Graduating Students

Always a Cougar Celebration Welcomes Graduating Students

Dec. 11, ahead of this weekend's commencement ceremonies. The semiannual Always a Cougar Celebration welcomed members of the Class of '25, along with their families and alumni, for an evening reception and champagne toast in the Meridian Ballroom of the Morris University Center.

Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, faculty, and staff met with graduating students and their guests.

"It is always a good day to celebrate SIUE students who have met the requirements for graduation," said Chancellor Minor. "The smiles in this room, shared with family, friends, and classmates, tell the story of a significant life milestone."

Mass communications student Nishi Lodha Jain was excited to see her parents, who were flying in from India to attend the ceremony where she and her classmates would have their degrees conferred.

"One thing I learned about this journey is that you need to be extroverted, especially as an international student," said Jain. "That was my motto when I came to SIUE. I needed to take initiative, talk and make the effort."

Guests enjoyed appetizers, received a glass of champagne or a sparkling alternative courtesy of the Alumni Association, and took candid photos at a variety of photo stations. The celebration also included a toast to the graduates' achievements led by Alumni Association President George Ladd.

Sponsored by the SIUE Credit Union and held each semester on the eve of commencement, the Always a Cougar Celebration offers graduating students a moment to pause before the formal ceremonies begin. The event recognizes their academic achievements while connecting them with the Alumni Association, reinforcing a lifelong connection to the University. As graduates prepare to cross the stage, they are reminded that they will always be part of the Cougar community.

Photo: Eddie the Cougar poses with Nishi Lodha Jain. Photo collage by Howard Ash.