UW-Parkside Spring 2025 Commencement: "We can all be leaders"

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside proudly celebrated the Class of 2025 on May 17, as more than 550 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. 

Amy Traynor, a Regent for the Universities of Wisconsin, congratulated students on behalf of the Board of Regents. Traynor has more than two decades of experience in public education and is currently the Director of Learning Services at CESA 10 in Chippewa Falls, WI. Traynor currently serves as a WI Commissioner for the Education Commissions of the States, President of the WI Teacher of the Year Network, and Teacher Lead for Wisconsin’s Every Teacher a Leader Summit.

Regent Traynor emphasized the importance of the graduates’ achievements. “This is a day to remember. You are earning a prestigious degree and you are beginning the next stage of your life. The education you’ve received from this wonderful university and from our talented faculty and staff and from your fellow students – and the experience you’ve gained along the way – are tremendous assets and will serve you well,” Traynor said.

She went on to explain the importance of UW-Parkside’s role in this vibrant region and each graduate’s role in continuing the university’s legacy of being a premier provider of skilled members of the workforce for the Wisconsin talent pipeline. “As you have no doubt learned during your time here, UW-Parkside is a very special place. It’s clear that Parkside is a place where potential is recognized, supported, and celebrated. UW-Parkside is a key player in the southeastern corner of the state, an increasingly diverse and dynamic area. And this university is a vibrant part of that community, preparing students for their lives beyond its boundaries and enriching all those who come in contact with the university through its people, its facilities, its programming, and its ideas,” she said.

This year’s commencement speaker, Frank Di Meglio, delivered a powerful and inspiring address to the graduates. Di Meglio is a Managing Partner at Northwestern Mutual. He enjoys his work at Northwestern Mutual and finds fulfillment in supporting entrepreneurship, working in a stable system, and building relationships. It is Di Meglio’s mission to help others elevate their skills and grow thriving businesses of their own.

Di Meglio shared some words of wisdom with the graduates, encouraging them to be resilient and not take the easy way out. Di Meglio explained, “There are wins and there are learnings, no losses. Only losses if you choose not to learn from the experiences.” He continued, “It’s better to be interested than interesting. Ask questions and be the most interested person at the part.” He also encouraged the graduates to protect the resource of time and to continue to grow and be a life-long learner.

Grant Pitts, the recipient of the Chancellor’s Award, spoke on behalf of the graduates as the student commencement speaker. Pitts is a passionate and driven Sociology major whose academic and civic engagement distinguishes him as a truly outstanding student. Beyond the classroom, Grant is a leader in every sense, serving as President of Parkside Student Government, a civic engagement fellow, and holding several roles in both campus and community organizations. “I want to remind you that you can continue to grow and improve beyond Parkside, of your own volition, and, should you choose to do so, it is certain that, with a bit of luck, the possibilities will continue to grow, too. We have all learned many things at Parkside, but I believe that the most important lesson is that we are capable of great things. We can all be leaders,” Pitts 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. Chancellor Akey’s son, Konner, was also one of the graduates during the afternoon ceremony.

“Graduates, as you celebrate this milestone today, take a moment to reflect on the profound impact that the faculty, the staff, and your fellow students have had on you. You have acquired knowledge, developed skills, and cultivated the resilience, determination, and mindset necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing and demanding world. You quite frankly are exceptional. You have brought unique perspectives and experiences to our campus and your achievements are a testament to your hard work, dedication and perseverance,” Chancellor Akey said.  

The ceremony also recognized three Outstanding Graduate Award recipients: Andrew Conrad (Sport Management, Smithville, Missouri), Janet Jurado (Theatre Arts and Communication, Kenosha, WI), and Malika Mian (Business Management, Mount Pleasant, WI), who were honored for their academic achievements, leadership, and contributions to the university community. 

Both ceremonies concluded with receptions in the Petretti Fieldhouse, allowing graduates and their families to celebrate their accomplishments and reflect on their time at UW-Parkside.  

Fun Facts About the Spring 2025 Graduates: 

• 566 total graduates. 
• 420 students are undergraduates, and 146 are earning master’s degrees. 
• 273 students, or 48.4% of undergraduates, are the first in their families to attend college. 
• 259 students, or 45.8% of undergraduates, started as transfer students. 
• These graduates come from 18 states across the country outside Wisconsin, and 14 countries outside of the U.S. 
• The average age of today’s undergraduate degree candidates is 24.5 years old; the average age of master’s candidates is 33.4 years old. 
• The youngest undergraduate completing their degree is 20 years old; the oldest is 53. 
• The youngest master’s graduate is 21; the oldest is 65. 
• 30 students are veterans or Active Duty. 

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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