Commencement

Between May 14-17, 2022, UW-Whitewater celebrated the achievements of 1,531 graduates. Download the programs below.

College of Arts and Communications and College of Business and Economics »
College of Education and Professional Studies and College of Letters and Sciences »
Honoring the Classes of 2020 and 2021 »
UWW-Rock County College of Integrated Studies »

December's 2022 graduation will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, in the Kachel Fieldhouse. More details will be provided closer to the date.

Commencement Speakers

Dawson Babcock

From performing in his first musical in kindergarten, to playing his first instrument — piano — in third grade, Dawson Babcock has been immersed in music. With a Bachelor of Music in hand, he is determined to inspire the next generation of young musicians. But first, he will serve as one of the student speakers for commencement.

This speech will be available to watch soon.

Michael Carlson

The path to Michael Carlson’s bachelor’s degree was interrupted by personal struggles and tribulations, but Michael overcame them. Twelve years later, he is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in English, creative writing — and will serve as one of the student speakers for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater commencement on Saturday, May 14.

This speech will be available to watch soon.

Annmarie Lavorata

Annmarie Lavorata, spring 2021 commencement speaker, spoke during a special commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 15, to celebrate the graduates of 2020 and 2021. Lavorata offered insights on adulthood and achieving our dreams in due time. During her time on campus, Lavorata was among 12 Warhawks who took home honors at the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association 2020 Student Awards for Excellence, which recognize the state's best in student television and radio broadcasting.

This speech will be available to watch soon.

Kevin Newell

Warhawk Kevin Newell, the first African American to partner with an NBA team to develop a commercial entertainment district, has been selected as UW-Whitewater's 2022 spring commencement speaker. Newell will share his story at the 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. ceremonies on Saturday, May 14, as well as a special commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 15, to celebrate the graduates of 2020 and 2021.

This speech will be available to watch soon.

Alex Ostermann

Alex Ostermann’s resume includes elections to some of the most prestigious student leadership positions at UW-Whitewater. But to focus on the titles is to overlook the legacy of a man who has spent his collegiate years advocating for students, mentoring a new generation of young leaders, and modeling public service and philanthropy. Ostermann, student speaker for Class of 2020, spoke during a special commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 15, to celebrate the graduates of 2020 and 2021.

This speech will be available to watch soon.

Corey Saffold

As a former Madison police officer, current head of safety and security for the Verona Area School District and a Black man who is an authority on police-community relations, Corey Saffold — who is a UW-Whitewater alum — draws on a solid foundation of experience. Saffold will share these experiences at the 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. ceremonies on Saturday, May 14, as well as a special commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 15, to celebrate the graduates of 2020 and 2021.

This speech will be available to watch soon.

Help Us Celebrate on Social

May 2022 Commencement Photos »

On Saturday, May 14, in the Kachel Fieldhouse at the Williams Center, we celebrated and honored the accomplishments of our graduates. Help us congraulate them on social media!

A graduation cap says thank you UW-Whitewater 2020.

Celebration for Classes of 2020-21 »

UW-Whitewater held a special celebratory commencement ceremony for its 2020 and 2021 graduates at Kachel Fieldhouse on Sunday, May 15, 2022. Help us celebrate these classes on social media!

Graduation Celebration »

Commencement weekend also included a celebration at Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown Whitewater. All graduates of the classes of 2022, 2021 and 2020 were invited to celebrate with family, friends and the whole community.