The University of Wisconsin-River Falls will award degrees to 679 students during three spring commencement ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, May 9, according to a university announcement released on April 27. All events will take place at Page Arena inside the Falcon Center at 185 Emogene Nelson Ave.
Of the graduating students, 589 will receive bachelor’s degrees, 80 will earn master’s degrees, six will be awarded doctorates, and four will obtain associate’s degrees. The day is divided into three separate ceremonies: the College of Education, Business and Allied Health with Graduate Studies at 9 a.m., the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at 12:30 p.m., and the College of Arts and Sciences at 3 p.m.
Each ceremony features a student speaker representing their college. Kassie Riesgraf will speak for CEBAH and Graduate Studies in the morning; Jennifer Ponczoch represents CAFES at midday; Nolan Arechigo is set to address CAS graduates in the afternoon. Riesgraf said her motivation to teach comes from her love for people and especially younger generations. She has participated in campus life as a resident assistant in Grimm Hall, president of The Navigators campus ministry, and member of Chancellor’s Student Ambassadors.
Ponczoch is an animal science major from Stevens Point with a minor in chemistry who has been active as an officer in the Pre-Vet Club, resident assistant, and member of Falcon FETCH—a dog training program on campus. Arechigo double majored in marketing communications and communication studies while participating musically with both Marching Falcons and musical theater productions; he also worked as a social media intern for Student Involvement.
All three ceremonies are available via YouTube livestream with further information provided online at students.uwrf.edu/commencement.
The River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau enhances community life through support for festivals, events, and connections among residents, businesses, and visitors according to its official website. The organization collaborates with UW-River Falls along with local economic development groups to promote regional prosperity according to its official website. It includes more than 300 member investors from various business sectors according to its official website.
Additionally, the Chamber promotes local businesses by offering support services that enhance economic vitality while facilitating tourism initiatives according to its official website. It leads tourism efforts along the scenic Kinnickinnic River according to its official website serving western Wisconsin’s River Falls region—and attracts visitors from nearby Twin Cities metropolitan area according to its official website. Networking events plus professional development programs are among activities offered by this group representing over 300 members through partnerships supporting growth within both economy & community events according to its official website.
