Purdue Fort Wayne’s 56th commencement the culmination of an epic journey

Posted: 04/24/24

Author: Geoff Thomas

Categories: Administration

Key Info

• Purdue Fort Wayne's 56th commencement will start at 4 p.m. on May 8.
• More than 850 students and an estimated 8,000 guests are expected to attend the ceremony at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
• To date, 1,379 students have already received or are on track to receive a degree this academic year.
• More information and content can be found at PFW's 2024 Commencement website.

For those Mastodons who were either wrapping up their freshman year at Purdue University Fort Wayne in the spring of 2020 or moving into student housing for the first time a few months later, it might be hard to explain to future generations all that's happened over the last four years.

Always celebratory, PFW's 56th commencement on May 8 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum will draw energy from thousands of stories that often find that perfect blend of experiences shared and experiences that are totally unique.

There's the incredible story of Jordan Burns whose mother, Tonya, attended every one of her classes during an eight-year span so the physical limitations that prevent Jordan from taking notes didn't derail her pursuit of a degree in human services. They'll be there. So will a handful of other Mastodons who collectively tell a story of how PFW has prepared them to meet the exciting challenges of personal and professional life. Read about and hear from these soon-to-be graduates.

"Regardless of their field of study, what our students have achieved while earning their Purdue degrees, in the eyes of their future employers, places them among the best prepared graduates region-wide and beyond," said Ron Elsenbaumer, chancellor, Purdue University Fort Wayne. "As our benefactors continue to invest in this cycle of success, we too remain committed to our university's growing reputation for accomplishing bigger and better things. Our graduates and their families embody the reason we pursue these high standards."

Purdue Fort Wayne's 2024 Commencement will begin at 4 p.m. To accommodate a smooth flow into the Coliseum's main arena, which includes passing through one of 8-10 screening zones, guests may begin entering at 2 p.m. No tickets are required and parking is free for all who attend, courtesy of the university's Student Government Association.

Much more than the traditional pomp and circumstance, Purdue Fort Wayne's take on commencement day includes activities in the Conference Center such as an after-party and the Chancellor's New Alumni Dinner.

More than 850 of the 1,379 Purdue Fort Wayne students who have already received, or are on track to receive, a degree this academic year will celebrate the conclusion of their studies at commencement. They're expected to be joined by approximately 8,000 guests.

At last count, Purdue Fort Wayne estimates this year's graduating class will feature:

• Total graduates: 1,379 (up from 1,362 in 2023)
• Female: 693 (50.3%)
• Male: 686 (49.7%)
• First generation graduates: 37.4% of total
• Indiana Counties: 58 (up from 49 last year)
• States: 22 (includes Indiana)
• Countries: 33 (includes the U.S.)
• 4.0 GPA: 93 (up from 91 last year and)

These figures are estimates until the degree conferral process is completed in August.

Those not able to attend the 2024 ceremony may view it via livestream by visiting pfw.edu/commencement on the day of the event.

Frank Paladino, Jack W. Schrey Distinguished Professor of Biology, will again serve as the grand marshal. The role includes the honor of carrying the Purdue Fort Wayne mace, which made its debut in 2021. Dating back to medieval times, maces have a long tradition of ushering in formal, ceremonial events. Carried by the marshal, and only present when the chancellor is in attendance, the mace signifies that the proceedings have official sanction.

Madison Kindler, a member of Purdue Fort Wayne's Honors Program who will be awarded bachelor's degree in music education, will sing the national anthem. Kindler will be accompanied by the university's Symphonic Wind Ensemble.

For additional information about the ceremony, or to explore options for student profiles, contact Geoff Thomas, senior director of media relations, at [email protected]or 260-437-7657 (mobile).