Congratulations to 2022 SPS Graduates!
June 12, 2022 -- Northwestern University School of Professional Studies (SPS) held an in-person convocation ceremony for the graduating class of 2022, families, friends, faculty, and staff.
The ceremony took place inside the Ryan Fieldhouse on Northwestern's Evanston campus. The event was live streamed for those who could not attend, in addition to a virtual convocation that premiered the next day, Mon. June 13.
In his welcome address, SPS Dean Thomas Gibbons shared four graduates' stories that embody the diversity of Northwestern SPS student backgrounds and achievements. One graduate was Lina McElwee (MS, Data Science), who grew up in Venezuela and works at Procter & Gamble as Director of Analytics and Insights.
"My story starts with my mom and I have no words to describe the feeling of joy I had when hearing our story as an inspiration to others," McElwee shares on social media.
Keynote speakers included 2022 graduate Emily Kraus (MS in Information Design and Strategy) and Kip Kirkpatrick, Founding Partner and Co-CEO of The Vistria Group and Northwestern Trustee. When Kirkpatrick took the stage, he snapped a selfie with the graduating class in the background. He needed proof for his son, who was skeptical he was speaking at Northwestern, Kirkpatrick jokes.
After the ceremony, graduates and loved ones hugged and gathered in the glass lobby and outside, with stunning views of Lake Michigan.
You can view the entire ceremony here and explore the Northwestern SPS Facebook page for photos.