Convocation
2026 December Convocation
The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is planning an in-person convocation ceremony to celebrate your academic achievements. The departmental convocation recognizes ChBE graduates who earned bachelor's and master's degrees and includes a hooding ceremony for our doctoral graduates. Please note that this ceremony is separate from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences ceremony; see LAS Graduation Ceremonies for details about the college event.
When:
Saturday, December 19, 2026
1:00 p.m. | Doors open at 12:00 p.m.
Where:
Lincoln Hall Theatre
702 S. Wright St., Urbana
Reception to follow at University YMCA, Latzer Hall 1001 S. Wright St. Champaign | 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Keynote:
Helen Yang (PhD ’88) and Michael Lee (PhD ’87). Learn more about the keynote speakers.
Student Registration:
Undergraduate, M.Eng., and Ph.D. students must register by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2026, to participate in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering's Winter 2026 Convocation Ceremony. No late registrations allowed. Convocation registration reserves six guest seats for graduates; additional seats can be requested when registering.
Email chbe-ugprogramoffice@illinois.edu with questions.
Watch:
The ceremony will be streamed live at the link below.
Regalia:
Academic attire is required for all graduates who participate in our convocation ceremony; information about academic attire, including how to order, is available on the U. of I. Commencement website.
Parking, Directions and Campus Maps:
After 5:00pm Friday through 6:00am Monday, parking is permitted in the following nearby lots free of charge: lot F29 (at Goodwin & Dorner) and lot C09 (at Chalmers & Sixth). Location of other lots with free weekend parking can be found on the Parking Department website (see the section on Visitor Parking). The website also includes directions to campus and campus maps.
Lincoln Hall accessibility and reserved seating information:
Contact ChBE Undergraduate Program Office at chbe-ugprogramoffice@illinois.edu
Guest information:
- Six guests seats are automatically reserved for graduates upon registration; graduates can request additional seats during the registration process.
- Except for designated accessible seating, seats are not assigned and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- No food, beverages, or smoking are permitted in Lincoln Hall Theater.
Additional Notes:
- This event is for graduating ChBE students only, and is separate from any college and campus ceremonies. Students may choose to attend those ceremonies as well.
- Instructions to change how your name will appear on your diploma and transcript can be found on the Registrar’s website. Diploma names dictate what is displayed on your diploma and are used in the convocation program, lists of graduates, etc. If you have any questions about your diploma, please call the Office of the Registrar at (217) 333-0210.
- The university plans to capture photographs and video of this event. Be aware that if you attend, you are consenting to the possibility that your image and likeness may be shared or published by the university for marketing-communications purposes.
Contact chbe-ugprogramoffice@illinois.edu with any questions about this event. If you are a person with a disability who requires accommodation(s), please contact us as soon as possible. Some accommodation requests (such as American Sign Language Interpreters) received after the registration deadline will be given due diligence to be filled but may not be guaranteed.
These plans are subject to change — check this page for updated event details going forward.
Helen Yang and Michael Lee
Helen Yang (MS 86, PhD 88) and Michael Lee (MS 84, PhD 87) are distinguished alumni whose careers have spanned more than three decades of global leadership in engineering, business and organizational development. Both earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering from Illinois after completing their bachelor’s degrees at the University of Pennsylvania. They went on to build international careers that included major leadership roles across the United States and Asia Pacific.
Yang began her career as a research engineer at DuPont and advanced through a series of regional and global leadership positions in sales, marketing, supply chain, and business management, including 20 years in Asia Pacific. Recognized for her expertise in leadership, strategy, transformation, and design of organizations and operating models, she is also dedicated to community service and serves on the Board of Directors for several mission-driven local and international organizations. She is a recipient of the department's Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.
Lee likewise started his career at DuPont, where he progressed from research and development into marketing, sales, strategy, and general management. He subsequently served as Business Director for Greater China and Asia Pacific at DuPont and as Chief Commercial Officer and business unit vice president and general manager for Asia Pacific at Honeywell. Following his corporate career, he became an executive coach, working with senior leaders to strengthen vision, strategy, communication, empowerment, stakeholder management, and trust building.
The University of Illinois commencement website contains detailed information about the May and December campus ceremonies. Visit their site to learn more about planned celebrations, details for graduates, and resources for family and guests.