May 05, 2021

Media advisory: Coverage of SIU Carbondale commencement, including honorary degree for Ezike

Reporters, photographers and news crews are invited to cover one or more of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s commencement ceremonies May 7-9 honoring 2020 and 2021 graduates. The events will be in-person at Saluki Stadium, with health and safety protocols in place. Dr. Ngozi Ezike is among the honorary degree recipients. 

The commencement schedule and honorees are:

Friday, May 7

  • 2 p.m.: School of Law (May 2021 and all 2020 graduates), former Illinois State Sen. Paul Schimpf, keynote speaker.
  • 6 p.m.: College of Agricultural Sciences and College of Science (May 2021 graduates), Pamela J. Wilson, honorary Doctor of Community Health degree.

Saturday, May 8 (all four ceremonies for May 2021 graduates)

  • 9 a.m.: College of Liberal Arts and College of Mass Communication and Media Arts, Jacquelyn D. Spinner, honorary Doctor of Media Arts degree.
  • Noon: College of Applied Sciences and Arts, Dr. Ngozi Ezike, honorary Doctor of Community Health degree.
  • 3 p.m.: College of Business, College of Engineering and School of Medicine, Harry L. Crisp II, honorary Doctor of Public Service degree, and Pamela K. Pfeffer, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
  • 6 p.m.: College of Education and Human Services, Harold R. Bardo Jr. and the late Seymour L. Bryson, both receiving Distinguished Service Awards.

Sunday, May 9 (all 2020 graduates)

  • Noon: Colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Applied Sciences and Arts, Engineering, Science, and School of Medicine
  • 3 p.m.: Colleges of Business, Education and Human Services, Liberal Arts, and Mass Communication and Media Arts, Carolyn F. Donow, Distinguished Service Award. 

For more information, read a press release about the honorary degree and Distinguished Service Award recipients. 

Like all attendees, journalists covering the event are required to wear face masks and follow other health and safety protocols. A special area on the field has been set aside for the news media to cover the event. Each news outlet may send up to three representatives. Please note that Dr. Ezike will not be available for interviews. 

If you are interested in covering any of the ceremonies, please contact Kim Rendfeld, chief communications officer, by 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 6, at 765-426-3650 (cell) or kim.rendfeld@siu.edu.