Local students to speak at U of I graduation

Eight students, two from the Union’s coverage area, will speak at commencement ceremonies to be staged at the University of Iowa beginning Dec. 16.

About 1,800 students at Iowa will receive their degrees in livestreamed, virtual commencement ceremonies, beginning with the College of Education's Undergraduate Commencement and Teacher Education Program Recognition Ceremony on Dec. 16 and concluding with the College of Engineering's undergraduate ceremony on Dec. 19.

Two of the featured speakers are Alexandra Humston of Wellman and Andrea Kathryn Pingol of Washington.

Humston will speak at the College of Engineering ceremony at noon, Sunday at Hancher Auditorium. Dean Harriet Nembhard and President Barb Wilson will deliver messages to students.

"I am honored to have been chosen for the privilege of speaking on behalf of my graduating class at the commencement ceremony for the College of Engineering,“ Humston said. ”I could not be prouder to be among a group of bright and ambitious graduates who have challenged and supported me throughout the years.

"I congratulate each of us graduating this semester for believing in ourselves, putting in the hard work, and never giving up. We did it!"

Pingol will speak at the College of Nursing ceremony 9 a.m., Friday, in Hancher Auditorium. Dean Julie Zerwic and College of Nursing alumna Sarah Hackbarth ('15) will each deliver a message to students.