May 2023 graduates celebrated at convocation

The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign celebrated its spring graduates on May 14, 2023, at Smith Hall with remarks from alumnus James K. Grant (BS ’69).  

Department head Chris Rao, the  Ray and Beverly Mentzer Professor began the ceremony, "I welcome you, parents, family, and friends—everyone who is here to celebrate our esteemed graduates."

He then thanked those in the audience who helped the graduates each step along the way. "Truly it takes a village. I would like to invite everyone to join me in a round of applause for our faculty, staff, academic advisers, as well as the parents, grandparents, mentors, friends, and others who have helped our graduates during their years here at Illinois. As today is Mother’s Day, I would like to especially thank any mothers in the audience for all of the effort you have given to help your children get to where they are today."

Dr. Rao then introduced the following speakers, “Today, you will hear remarks from two important members of our community: Dr. Venetria K. Patton, the Harry E. Preble Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and our alumnus and friend of the department James K. Grant."

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean Venetria K. Patton applauded the graduates for their accomplishments and impacts made at UIUC. “You have worked hard and should be immensely proud of yourself for what you have accomplished. During your years here, you have trained with the best of the best in chemical and biomolecular engineering and succeeded in one of the most rigorous academic programs on this campus.” 

“You should also know that each and every one of you made a difference here. Your presence and participation enhanced our campus,” she said. “Your inquiry and involvement helped others learn, your drive pushed your peers, and even your instructors to excel. Thank you for all of the many contributions you made during your time at Illinois.”

"You have the knowledge and skills to thrive in an ever changing world. The world renowned faculty at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have trained you to achieve scientific breakthroughs and address the difficult problems facing humanity. You are ready to go out and change the world."

Dean Patton also recognized the graduates’ invaluable support system. “We know these graduates could not have done it without you. Whether you gave pep talks, financial support, care packages, laundry services or all of the above, your contributions were critical.”

Next, Grant took the podium addressing the graduates, "Now, you go to the next step in your careers: grad school or your first job. It’s exciting and maybe scary too. It’s your first step job as a chemical engineer. You will continue to learn and grow and do things you never imagined." 

"You have probably heard this before, but this is not the end of your education.  Far, far from it.  This is called “commencement” for a reason." Said Grant, "For each of you, it is a beginning.  Not an ending. Each of you carries with your diploma the heavy burden of great potential.  I, along with your faculty, families, friends and employers are keen to see what you do with it.

Finally, Grant gave some advice to the new graduates, "You have chosen chemical engineering as your career so embrace it and go with it.  If you decide that something else is your bliss that’s OK too and embrace the new direction.  One of the worst things I’ve observed in life among others is that some people got off on a track they really didn’t love, but stuck with it 'just because'."

"I encourage you to plan ahead, keeping in mind that those who attempt to live by a crystal ball often die of broken glass." 

Watch May 2023 Convocation Recording 

View May 2023 Convocation and Reception Photos