Class of 2017 will bring USI alumni to more than 40,000

The University of Southern Indiana will hold five Spring Commencement ceremonies over two days, April 28 and 29, in the Physical Activities Center (PAC) on the USI campus.

The Graduate Ceremony for master and doctoral degree candidates from all of USI's colleges will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 28. On Saturday, April 29, the undergraduate ceremony for the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education will begin at 9 a.m.; the College of Nursing and Health Professions at noon; Romain College of Business and Outreach and Engagement at 3 p.m., and the College of Liberal Arts at 6 p.m.

1488 students are eligible to participate. Of those, 26 graduate summa cum laude, 133 magna cum laude and 160 cum laude. 50 graduates are University Honors Scholars - students who have successfully completed the Honors Program - and can be recognized by the white honor cords worn with their regalia. Members of the graduating Class of 2017 will join the USI Alumni Association, which, following Spring Commencement, will number more than 40,000 alumni across Indiana, the United States and the world.

Speakers at each Commencement ceremony will be USI alumni who have excelled in their professional lives.

Friday, April 28

The speaker for the Graduate Ceremony is Amy Jo Sheeley '01 '05 M'06, practice administrator for St. Vincent Medical Group - Evansville OB/GYN. Sheeley completed a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2001, a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy in 2005 and a master's degree in occupational therapy in 2006, all from USI.

Also at the Graduate Ceremony, the honorary Doctor of Laws degree will be presented to Linda E. White, president and CEO of Deaconess Health System, who is celebrated for her commitment to innovative learning experiences and dedication to quality health care.

Saturday, April 29

The 2017 Commencement speaker for the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education ceremony is Dr. Hans R. Schneider '01, senior project manager for Bartlett Cocke General Contractors' Austin Self-Perform and Warranty Division. Schneider received his bachelor's degree in civil engineering technology from USI in 2001. Also at the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education Commencement ceremony, Evan K. Stieler will receive the President's Medal, the highest honor the University presents to a graduate. Stieler is graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in biology, has served as a member of the USI Board of Trustees and plans to complete a Master of Business Administration degree while attending medical school to study orthopedic medicine.

Joshua F. Bowman '09 will address graduates at the College of Nursing and Health Professions Ceremony. Bowman earned a bachelor's degree in health services and administration from USI in 2009 and currently is health facility administrator for Bethel Manor and an adjunct instructor at USI.

Nitin V. Naidu '00 is the speaker for the 2017 Romain College of Business and Outreach and Engagement ceremony. Naidu, who received a bachelor's degree in business administration from USI, is the creator and founder of the Spice Box food truck and restaurants in Indianapolis.

The 2017 Commencement speaker for the College of Liberal Arts is Dr. Jennifer C. Wright '03. Wright completed bachelor's degrees in psychology and sociology at USI and is currently branch chief of Customer Value Assessment and program manager of Voice of the Customer with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Guests of graduates participating in all five ceremonies will require tickets to attend. For more information about all ceremonies, as well as links to other Commencement information, go to USI.edu/commencement.

Live video of each ceremony will be streamed in the University Center East Conference Center (Rooms 2217-2220). You also can view ceremonies via a livestream online. Instructions are available at www.usi.edu/live-stream.