The following is a column written by UIS Chancellor Janet L. Gooch that was published online by The State Journal-Register on May 31, 2023.
"On May 12, I stood on the University of Illinois Springfield commencement stage and congratulated more than 700 members of the Class of 2023 for completing their bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. The Bank of Springfield Center was filled with proud family members, friends, faculty and staff who were there to cheer on our latest group of graduates.
It was an amazing highlight in a year filled with many shining moments.
I stepped into the role of UIS chancellor last June, and while I knew it was an opportunity of a lifetime, I didn’t fully appreciate how many wonderful, talented people I’d meet who are just as energized as I am about the promise this university holds for so many. I also didn’t realize how much fun it is to be a chancellor, especially at UIS!"