News Archive

Commencement for the 2020 and 2021 graduating classes of Indiana University and Purdue University graduate and professional schools at IUPUI took place under sunny skies on Saturday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m. The Michael A. Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium on the IUPUI campus was the setting for the first in-person graduation since 2019.  

The event was the final commencement ceremony for Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie, who is stepping down from the presidency, effective June 30, 2021, after 14 years leading the university.  He indicated that it was his 135th commencement ceremony at IU. After welcoming guests and introducing members of the IU and Purdue Boards of Trustees, he turned the podium over to IUPUI Chancellor Nasser Paydar.

 “I am pleased to present the classes of 2020 and 2021,” said Chancellor Paydar in introducing the degree candidates. “Each graduate has written an important new chapter in the story of their lives,” he said.

Both President McRobbie and Chancellor Paydar acknowledged the extraordinary circumstances during which these students pursued their degrees, noting the significant accomplishment it was to complete degrees during a worldwide pandemic. While praising the graduates for their resilience, Chancellor Paydar, in a moment of lightheartedness, quipped, “Can you count the number of times in the last year you said, ‘I think you’re on mute?’”

IU McKinney School of Law graduates were recognized as they processed across the stage. Graduate names were announced by Associate Dean of the University Graduate School, Janice Blum, and Assistant Dean for Student Development and Academic Affairs at the IUPUI Graduate School, Tabitha Hardy.

A hooding ceremony took place in front of the stage. IU McKinney Dean Karen Bravo presided over the law school’s hooding ceremony which featured IU McKinney hooding faculty, Professors Frank Sullivan, Lahny Silva, Allison Martin, Fran Quigley, George Edwards and Linda Kelly.

The national anthem was sung by David Mannell, a lecturer of music education, private voice and choir in the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI.

The law school is hosting a virtual graduation celebration on Wednesday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. Alumni and friends may attend by registering at this link: https://iu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_U-PCEYfoQUqEfcNE8EQRiw