April 30, 2026
Nearly 2,100 students will be honored at SIU Carbondale’s commencement exercises
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The academic achievements of nearly 2,100 Southern Illinois University Carbondale students will be celebrated during spring 2026 commencement exercises May 8-9.
Festivities start with the SIU Simmons Law School commencement on Friday, May 8, at Shryock Auditorium. On Saturday, May 9, Banterra Center will host two commencement ceremonies (see the schedule, below).
As of mid-April, there are 2,087 candidates for degrees and certificates, including 1,402 candidates for bachelor’s degrees, 432 candidates for master’s degrees, 98 candidates for doctoral degrees, 87 law degree candidates and 68 candidates for associate degrees. The graduating candidates represent 19 different countries.
Some interesting facts — this commencement will feature 60 20-year-old students who will earn bachelor’s degrees. The oldest candidate is a 79-year-old military veteran and online university studies student who first became a Saluki in 1974 in cinema and photography. There are also two 21-year-old aviation management students earning master’s degrees.
“Commencement is a powerful reminder of what Salukis can achieve,” said Chancellor Austin A. Lane. “Each graduate represents years of hard work, determination and support from those who believed in them along the way. At Southern, we take great pride in celebrating these moments together. Seeing our students walk across that stage, surrounded by the energy and encouragement of their loved ones, is what makes this day so special and so meaningful.”
There is no ticketing for guests, and guest seating for all of the ceremonies is on a first-come, first-served basis. The ceremonies will also be livestreamed at commencement.siu.edu/videos. The video stream will begin 15 minutes before each ceremony begins May 9.
Here is the ceremony schedule and honorary degree and distinguished service award recipients where applicable.
Saturday, May 9
- 9 a.m. — College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences; College of Arts and Media; College of Business and Analytics; College of Liberal Arts, and the School of Education.
J. Phil Gilbert, who has more than five decades of legal experience as a private attorney, state and federal judge, and higher education leader, is a lifelong resident of Carbondale. Gilbert was appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois in 1992, served as chief judge from 1993 to 2000, and continues as senior judge, where he maintains a substantial caseload. Gilbert will receive an honorary Doctor of Law degree in association with the SIU Simmons Law School.
Michael “Mike” Glenn, is a scholar-athlete and one of SIU’s most celebrated men’s basketball players. The two-time Academic All-American, whose Saluki jersey was retired in February 2026, played 10 years in the NBA and founded the nation’s first and only free basketball camp for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes — a program that continues more than 40 years later. An accomplished author, historian and curator whose exhibitions and lectures illuminate the contributions of Blacks to sports, civil rights and culture, Glenn has written five books, including “My Next Shot Goes In: Ten Sacred Characteristics of NBA Players That Lead to Success.” Glenn will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in association with the College of Liberal Arts.
Cheryl F. Green is a double alumna, earning both her master’s and doctoral degrees in counseling psychology. During her 30 years in higher education, she served as Governors State University’s sixth president from July 2020 until her retirement in 2025, one month before her death following a lengthy illness. Green will be awarded a posthumous Distinguished Service Award in association with the School of Education.
- 1 p.m. — College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Math; College of Health and Human Sciences, and School of Medicine.
James J. Miller, a three-degree SIU alumnus, is senior program manager to the chief executive of General Atomics Global Corp. He is an internationally recognized leader in aviation, aerospace and navigation policy and was founding director of the National Spaced-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Advisory Board appointed by NASA. He facilitated sponsorship of the NASA Wings program through SIU Aviation, introducing underrepresented students to aviation and aerospace careers. Miller earned his associate degree in aviation flight, bachelor’s degree in aviation management and Master of Public Administration in aviation administration. Miller will receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree in association with the College of Health and Human Sciences.
Russell Franklin Bartmes, is a distinguished leader in finance and philanthropy whose support helped launch SIU Carbondale’s nursing program and other initiatives. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Bartmes held senior leadership positions at prominent investment firms and foundations in Chicago until his retirement. Bartmes will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in association with the College of Health and Human Sciences.
Kathleen Pericak-Spector, a retired professor of mathematics, spent more than four decades at SIU advancing mathematics education throughout the region through outreach and service with a commitment to STEM education. Retired in 2017 and now living in Michigan, Pericak-Spector returns to SIU repeatedly — entirely at her own expense — to support key SIU and regional outreach initiatives, including Southern Illinois Regional Science Fair, Math Field Day, Expanding Your Horizons and the Science in the South Conference. Pericak-Spector will receive a Distinguished Service Award in association with the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics.
Medallions, honor cords and veteran’s cords reflect achievement
A total of 653 students who are participating in commencement exercises will wear special medallions and honor cords during the ceremonies that reflect significant academic achievement.
Among the students earning recognition:
- 310 will receive cum laude distinction, signifying a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.749.
- 180 will receive magna cum laude distinction, signifying a cumulative GPA of 3.75 to 3.899.
- 163 students will receive summa cum laude distinction, carrying a cumulative GPA of 3.9 to 4.0.
- 35 students will earn degrees with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
- 82 University Honors Program students will receive a certificate for completing 18 honors credit hours while maintaining a 3.3 GPA.
- 16 Saluki student-athletes will earn Latin honors, and one student-athlete will also receive an honors program certificate.