UW-Parkside Fall 2025 Commencement: "This moment is just the beginning"
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside proudly celebrated the Class of 2025 on December 13, as more than 400 graduates took their well-deserved steps across the stage at the Fall Commencement ceremony in the De Simone Arena in the Sports and Activity Center.
Noah Fritz, the Traditional Student Regent for the Universities of Wisconsin, congratulated students on behalf of the Board of Regents. Fritz studies Actuarial Science at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and works for Allianz Life based in Minneapolis, where he specializes in product development within the Life line of business.
Regent Fritz emphasized the importance of the graduates’ achievements and their individual journeys to achieving this goal. “UW-Parkside graduates don’t just earn degrees. You earn them while working. You earn them while providing. You earn them while growing. You earn them while becoming,” Fritz said.
This semester’s commencement speaker Keith Smith delivered a powerful and inspiring address to the graduates. Keith brings over 25 years of relevant industry experience to Vonco. He currently serves as President and CEO of Vonco Products. His education consists of a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering as well as an MBA from Northern Illinois University and Lean and Six Sigma certifications from the University of Michigan. He has a passion for cultivating infectious energy within his organizations and for innovation, creation, inspiration, and adventure. He generously contributes both time and resources to fellow entrepreneurs, education, athletics, and health endeavors.
Smith shared some words of wisdom with the graduates, encouraging them to be resilient and learn from the lessons that life provides. Smith explained, “The obstacles in life become the way." He continued, "Your competence catches up to your courage. Your skills rise to meet your responsibilities.” He also encouraged the graduates to make changes and enjoy their journey to success saying, “Don't just chase achievement, chase alignmnet. Don't just manage your calendar, manage your energy. Don't just build a career, build a life that you're proud of. Don't just seek success, seek tranformation. Go out and be the person your journey requires.”
Chancellor’s Award recipient Stephanie Narciso addressed her fellow graduates as the student commencement speaker, reflecting the service-driven leadership she has demonstrated throughout her time at UW-Parkside. A Business Management major with minors in Finance and Human Resources, Narciso has been a key contributor to organizations including the Parkside Asian Organization, Latinos Unidos, Parkside Advocacy for Women, and the Black Student Union. Her community work, professional experience, and military service further underscore her commitment to impact, excellence, and public service.
Narciso praised her fellow graduates for their determination and perseverance. “We didn’t get here by accident. We got here through sacrifice, stubbornness, and saying ‘I’ll figure it out’ more times than we’d like to admit,” Narciso said. “Today, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we continue. Because this moment is just the beginning,” she said.
In her remarks, Chancellor Dr. Lynn D. Akey congratulated the graduates and celebrated their many accomplishments and readiness for the next chapter in their lives. “Every single one of you showed up—again and again—and kept moving forward. That commitment is what brings you here today,” Chancellor Akey said. “You are Rangers—not just by name, but by nature. Rangers explore. Rangers protect what matters. Rangers lead with integrity and courage. And today, as Rangers, you step forward.”
The ceremony also recognized four Outstanding Graduate Award recipients: Ali Torkelson (Music), Gabriela Guzmán (Elementary Education), Zarangiz Misaghi (Health Information Management and Technology), and Nate Mack (Communication), who were honored for their academic achievements, leadership, and contributions to the university community.
The ceremony concluded with a reception in the Petretti Fieldhouse, allowing graduates and their families to celebrate their accomplishments and reflect on their time at UW-Parkside.
Facts About the Fall 2025 Graduates:
• 413 total graduates
• 246 students are undergraduates, and 167 are earning master’s degrees.
• 39 of today’s master's degree graduates also earned bachelor's degrees at UW-Parkside
• 120 students, or 50% of undergraduates, are the first in their families to attend college.
• 124 students, or 51% of undergraduates, started as transfer students.
• These graduates come from 11 states across the country outside Wisconsin, and 8 countries outside of the U.S.
• The average age of today’s undergraduate degree candidates is 27 years old; the average age of master’s candidates is 35 years old.
• The youngest undergraduates completing their degrees are 20 years old; the oldest is 59.
• The youngest master’s graduate is 22; the oldest is 85.
• 13 students are veterans or Active Duty.
At 85, UW-Parkside’s Oldest Graduate Completes a Dream Decades in the Making
Outstanding Graduates Fall 2025
View the full photo gallery here!
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.
Media contact:
Derek Fye
Communications Manager
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Fye@uwp.edu | (262) 771-5419