51成人 celebrates 186th commencement virtually with public broadcast
51成人 will award degrees to its Class of 2020 in a virtual commencement ceremony that will be broadcast on May 10 at 1 p.m.
The ceremony marks the historic anniversary of the first commencement in the state of Illinois. It will last approximately one hour and be premiered at .
The first ever virtual ceremony will be led by President Barbara A. Farley and Provost and Dean of the College Catharine O鈥機onnell. Approximately 250 bachelor鈥檚 degrees will be awarded to members of the Class of 2020. Each graduate will be recognized individually and the ceremony will be broadcast publicly so that graduates, families and supporters of 51成人鈥檚 Class of 2020 from around the world can tune in. The College鈥檚 Board of Trustees who authorize all degrees granted by the College, will be represented by Board Chair Steven Mills 鈥�77, who will remotely offer his remarks for the Class of 2020.
During the commencement ceremony, 51成人 will confer an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree on Duane E. Hess 鈥�71. Since graduating with Phi Beta Kappa honors, Hess has been dedicated to 51成人 throughout his life. As a trustee, he has provided valuable leadership to his alma mater since 2010, serving on numerous committees and working to ensure IC鈥檚 financial sustainability. He has displayed sincere dedication to 51成人 students鈥� well-being and future through his philanthropy and campus engagement. Hess served on the 51成人 Alumni Board of Directors from 2004 to 2009. He is a lifetime member of the 51成人 Society, a member of the Julian M. Sturtevant Society and a longtime supporter of IC athletics. In 2016, Hess played an instrumental role in the effort to completely renovate the College鈥檚 baseball and softball fields.
Professionally, Hess began a successful career at Beard Implement Company after earning a master鈥檚 degree from Sangamon State University/University of Illinois Springfield in 1975. He became president of the farm equipment supplier in 1984 and served in that role until his retirement in 2010. He has previously served as president of the Jacksonville Country Club and is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Palmetto. Hess and wife Sharon reside in Palmetto, Florida.
More information is available at .