The University of Wisconsin-Madison winter class of 2024 arrived at the Kohl Center Dec.15 to celebrate graduation as three keynote speakers offered advice on keeping an open mind for the future.
The speakers — Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, Top Chef runner-up Dan Jacobs and student speaker Sawyer Getschman — spoke about finding opportunity despite facing an unpredictable future. The university estimates 1,545 bachelor’s degrees, 373 master’s degrees and 116 doctoral degrees were conferred at this year's graduation ceremony, according to a press release from the Office of Strategic Communication.
The winter 2024 commencement marks four years since the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to shift to online learning. For many graduates, this came during a critical transition into adulthood.
Student speaker Sawyer Getschman shared her own experience managing both virtual school and making connections. For Getschman and her fellow graduates, the rocky start did not deter them from crossing the stage.
“We have encountered so much uncertainty and oddity in our college careers but we have come out on the other side stronger and with better stories to tell because of it,” Getschman said.
This year’s commencement also followed a presidential election that left many students anxious about the future. Still, newly conferred graduates expressed optimism to The Daily Cardinal about life after college.
“We as young people can rise to the occasion and change the world in our own ways,” said Elise Wilson, who graduated in three and a half years.
Mnookin and Jacobs also took to the podium to share advice with the graduating class.
Mnookin encouraged graduates to apply the lessons they learned at UW-Madison throughout their lives.
“You’re heading into a world of both tremendous uncertainties and tremendous opportunities,” Mnookin said. “Hold on to both your curiosity and your compassion as you forge ahead.”
Jacobs, who was announced to be this year’s speaker on Oct. 29, reflected on his career as a chef and how it influenced his advocacy work.
“As you step into this new chapter of your life, take a moment to think about the kind of person you want to be in this world,” Jacobs told the audience. “Have the courage to stand up for what you believe in, especially when it means supporting those who look or think differently from you.”
Audience members shared a laugh as Jacobs finished his speech with a live demonstration on how to prepare a chicken.
