By JOEL RAMIREZ, NEWS3 Reporter
MACOMB, Illinois (NEWS3) – For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, Western Illinois University graduates for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 will be recognized at in-person commencement ceremonies.
“I’m really happy that we are finally having an in-person graduation ceremony so that my parents can actually see me walk across the stage, get my diploma, and see my achievement in person,” said Crystal, a senior at WIU.
If pandemic protocols change, plans could also change for all ceremonies, but each graduating student may now have up to eight guests attending the ceremony. However, everyone attending should complete the self-check at wiu.edu/selfcheck before arriving on campus, and face coverings will be required for entry. Individuals without a face covering will not be admitted.
“I feel pretty honored that we get to walk and celebrate the hard work we’ve been doing for the last four years; it’s exciting,” said Adriana, a WIU senior.
The ceremonies on the Macomb campus will be held on May 13 and 14 in Western Hall, while the Quad Cities ceremony will be held on May 15 at the TaxSlayer Center in Moline. The ceremonies will also be live-streamed on the university’s YouTube Channel for those who cannot attend in person.
