IU Kokomo to celebrate Class of 2024 at May 7 Commencement

KOKOMO, Ind. - Indiana University Kokomo will celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2024 at its Commencement ceremony on Tuesday, May 7.

The ceremony will honor the 625 members of the Class of 2024, who represent 43 Indiana counties, 16 states, and 14 countries. More than 33 percent of the class is first generation college students, and 24 are graduating with a 4.0 grade point average.

Eighty-one students are earning master's degrees, 544 are earning bachelor's degrees, and 17 are receiving associate degrees. Some students earned more than one degree.

Andrea Méndez Rodríguez, Valladolid, Spain, will represent the class as student speaker. Madesynn Freeman, Kokomo will lead singing of the National Anthem and Alma Mater. Hannah Sandefur, Kokomo, will lead induction of the class into the IU Alumni Association.

The School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions has the largest number of graduates, with 120 earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The second most frequent degree being earned is the Bachelor of Science in Business, with 74.

Chancellor Mark Canada will present the graduating class at 10 a.m. at the IU Kokomo Pavilion. The outdoor ceremony recognizes December 2023, May 2024, and August 2024 graduates. A reception in Alumni Hall will immediately follow the ceremony.

"At IU Kokomo, students always come first," Canada said. "My colleagues and I relish the opportunity to recognize and celebrate them at this time, the culmination of their years of study."

Commencement planner Tara Scott, assistant director of development, congratulated the Class of 2024.

"Commencement is my favorite day on campus," she said. "Our students work tirelessly each day, spending countless hours on homework, projects, and presentations. Most of this year's graduating class did not get a high school graduation due to COVID, and they are looking forward to celebrating this achievement with so many friends and family."

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place at the Pavilion if it is raining, but will be postponed if there is lightning, or the weather worsens. Those attending should watch the IU Kokomo website at kokomo.in.edu for updates.

Free parking is available on campus, with campus police and emergency management assisting.

No tickets are required, as seating is general admission. Accessible seating is available. Gates open at 8 a.m., the procession will start at 9:45 a.m. and the ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m. unless postponed for weather.

The ceremony will be livestreamed at commencement.iu.edu.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.