Purdue’s newest graduates receive degrees during commencement

A Purdue University graduate shares the happy moment after Saturday (May 13) morning's commencement ceremony. (Purdue University photo/Mark Simons) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — More than 5,400 of Purdue’s newest graduates crossed the stage to receive diplomas as the university held six ceremonies over the May 12-14 weekend.

All ceremonies took place in the Elliott Hall of Music. Purdue President Mitch Daniels spoke at all ceremonies, and each also featured a student responder.

Destiny R. Matthews of San Antonio, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition science and dietetics from the College of Health and Human Sciences, was the student responder in the Friday (Division II) ceremony.

Abhishek Balaji of Westborough, Massachusetts, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in computer and information technology from Purdue Polytechnic Institute, was student responder in the Saturday morning (Division III) ceremony.

Zachary McCormack of Avon, Indiana, who received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the College of Pharmacy, was the student responder in the Saturday afternoon (Division IV) event.

The Sunday morning (Division V) student responder was Peter Boyd of St. John, Indiana, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in applied statistics, actuarial science, mathematical statistics, and statistics with a math emphasis, from the College of Science.

Thomas A. Palcheck of Schaumburg, Illinois, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the College of Engineering, was the student responder for the Sunday afternoon (Division VI) ceremony.

Purdue President Mitch Daniels addresses the university's newest graduates during commencement on Saturday (May 13). (Purdue University photo/Mark Simons) Download image

About 6,785 students were candidates for degrees, and approximately 4,210 undergraduates participated in the commencement ceremonies. Also participating were 982 graduate students and 232 students from the professional programs.

All students had their name called and received their actual diploma at the ceremony. Diplomas for all candidates who did not attend commencement will be mailed approximately six weeks after the May ceremonies.

Commencement videos will be available for $30 per DVD. Order forms can be obtained at the Loeb Playhouse box office, online at http://www.purdue.edu/commencement/documents/DVD_Form.pdf or by calling 765-494-3933. Forms may be submitted within two weeks of the event.  

Writer: Tim Doty, 765-496-2571, doty2@purdue.edu 

Sources: Christine Pass, 765-494-6163, dehahn@purdue.edu

Nicole Hahn, 260-760-7409, nicole.hahn@ipfw.edu

Noemi Elizalde, 219-989-2334, elizalde@pnw.edu