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Celebrating Academic Excellence at Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University is set to honor the remarkable achievements of over 450 graduates during its much-anticipated 2026 Illinois Commencement Ceremony. This significant event will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the NIU Convocation Center, beginning at 6 p.m. Besides the in-person attendees, more than 130 graduates will connect via livestream from various locations. Graduates hailing from 24 different states will gather, celebrating their accomplishments alongside family, friends, faculty, and staff.

A Tribute to Dedication and Achievement

The upcoming commencement will recognize graduates from both the Classes of 2025 and 2026, emphasizing the hard work and perseverance of those who have completed their programs throughout the past year. This gathering signifies not only the end of one chapter but also the exciting beginning of a new professional journey for these graduates, who comprise a diverse range of fields in the University’s eight areas of study: business, design, education, health sciences, human services, justice studies, nursing, and technology.

Dr. Carrie Daninhirsch, the Provost at Rasmussen University, expressed her pride regarding the event, stating, "This ceremony is one of the most meaningful moments of the academic year. Rasmussen is proud to continue honoring a legacy rooted in expanding opportunity through education. Each graduate represents the perseverance and dedication that education makes possible, and we're excited to see the impact they will make in their communities and careers."

Inspiring Speeches

This year's ceremony promises an exciting lineup of speakers who will address the graduates, aimed at inspiring them as they embark on their next steps. Kristie Geil, DNP, MSN, RN, CENP, the Chief Nursing Officer at UW Health Northern Illinois, will deliver the keynote address. With almost 30 years of experience in healthcare, Dr. Geil has led multiple initiatives that focus on patient safety and quality outcomes. Her message will particularly resonate with graduates in nursing and health sciences, underlining the growing need for skilled professionals in today's healthcare landscape.

Representing the graduate class will be Beatrice Agbayewa, a December 2025 graduate from the Associate's Degree in Nursing program at the Romeoville/Joliet campus. Her inspiring journey showcases perseverance as she returned to her studies, overcoming personal challenges to earn a spot on the Dean’s List and serve as president of the Student Nurses Association. Agbayewa’s story highlights the importance of resilience and determination, motivating her peers as they step into the professional world.

Additionally, Doris Jones, a 2021 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education Leadership, will welcome the graduates into the alumni community. With her successful career as the assistant director at the Bright Horizons UChicago Child Development Center Drexel, she will also lead an Alumni Pinning Ceremony, a cherished tradition that symbolizes each graduate's transition from student to alumnus, welcoming them into a vibrant community of over 84,000 alumni.

Upcoming Commencement Dates

The Illinois ceremony is just the first of three major commencement events across the country in 2026. Here are the upcoming ceremonies:

• - Florida Commencement: Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, FL.
• - Minnesota Commencement: Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, MN.

As Rasmussen University continues to empower students to fulfill their academic and professional goals, this year's commencement celebrates not only the success of its graduates but also the impact they will make in their communities and various industries.

For more information about Rasmussen University and its 2026 commencement ceremonies, visit rasmussen.edu.