Students in graduation regalia pose in front of the Alma Mater statue on University of Illinois campus

Sunday, May 18, 2025
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Doors open to guests at 8:30 a.m.)
Virginia Theatre, 203 West Park Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820 

The Department of Mathematics is excited to announce that our Convocation Ceremony for all undergraduate, masters, and PhD students will be held in person in the historic Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign.

Students who wish to participate in the ceremony must register and obtain tickets for their invited guests. 

 

Quick Links

See the 2024 Mathematics Convocation Livestream Accessibility & accommodations Important information for Graduates & Guests Senior Questionnaire

 

Register for 2025 Mathematics Convocation

Click below to register for the 2025 Mathematics Convocation Ceremony

Register here for the 2025 Mathematics Convocation

Keynote Speaker

Peggy Ruff has a passion for problem solving and continuous improvement, and she has been able to enjoy this ability throughout her career. She is retired from the position of Vice President of Logistics for Tate & Lyle Ingredients Americas LLC in Decatur, IL. At Tate & Lyle, the logistics department was responsible for all customer service and distribution functions, including production planning, warehousing, toll manufacturing, customer service technical resource, customer care order entry, and invoicing. She also served on the Board of Directors for Almidones Mexicanos (Almex), the Tate & Lyle Joint Venture in Guadalajara, Mexico. Peggy currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur. This non-profit organization promotes and supports the Millikin Decatur Symphony Orchestra, the Decatur Youth Symphony Orchestra, symphonic music in the community, and music education opportunities that include all segments of our population. She previously served on the University of Illinois LAS Alumni Council from 2007-2012, and 2013-2018, holding positions of vice president and president, and served on the Mathematics Development Advisory Board (MDAB) from 2013-2016 and again as the MDAB president in 2024 . Additionally, she has served on the Board of Directors for Easter Seals of Central Illinois, Junior Achievement of East Central Illinois, and FCUCC Endowment Foundation.

Image of Peggy Ruff, Convocation Speaker wearing a blue top

Watch 2024 Mathematics Convocation Livestream

Click below to view the 2024 Mathematics Convocation livestream that happened Sunday May 12, 2024 9:30am Central Time.

2024 Mathematics Convocation Livestream

Universitywide Commencement Ceremony Information

The Universitywide Commencement Ceremony will be held Saturday May 17, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Memorial Stadium. Information about the Universitywide Commencement Ceremony and other related information (including congratulatory programs and special receptions) may be found on the Commencement website.

Senior Questionnaire

After you have registered to attend our ceremony, please complete the Senior Questionnaire prior to the ceremony. Please check back here later for the link to the questionnaire.

Participating in Convocation

Information for Graduates

 

 

Academic Attire

All graduates and degree candidates participating in the Mathematics Convocation Ceremony are required to wear appropriate academic attire. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates must wear custom regalia designed specifically for the campus.

More information about academic attire

Ceremony Details

The ceremony will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Sunday May 18, 2025, in the Virginia Theatre (203 West Park Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820).

When should I arrive?

Mathematics graduates should report to the Virginia Theatre from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. to check in and line up. The check-in desk closes at 9:00 a.m. 

What should I bring to the ceremony?

Graduates should arrive wearing their regalia (including the white tassel, and not the souvenir orange and blue tassel) and will receive their reader card upon check-in.

All other personal items (backpacks, cameras, purses, etc.) should be left in your vehicle or with relatives or friends. We do not have a secure location for you to leave these items during the ceremony.

How do I get to the Virginia Theatre? Where can I park?

Mathematics graduates and guests can find directions to Virginia Theatre and parking information on the venue website.

Will I get a diploma at the ceremony?

At our convocation ceremony, you will receive a diploma cover. Your diploma will be mailed. Additional information on certifying your degree and diplomas is available via the Illinois Commencement website.

Information for Guests

When should I arrive?

Virginia Theatre will open for guests at 8:30 a.m., and doors will close (no guest admission) during the processional. Please arrive no later than 9:15 a.m.

How do I get to the Virginia Theatre? Where can I park?

Mathematics graduates and guests can find directions to Virginia Theatre and parking information on the venue website.

Can I take pictures at the ceremony?

We would like to remind guests to respect all of the graduates by holding applause until after all names are read, so that no names are missed. We also ask you remain in your seats during the ceremony. Professional pictures are available, and students will receive information by email.

How long does the ceremony usually last?

The ceremony typically lasts 1.5 hours, depending on the number of graduating students.

When will my graduate cross the stage?

Names of all graduating students attending the ceremony will be read in order by degree. Convocation programs with all students on the graduation list will be handed out to guests (please note that students who add their names to the graduation list late may not have their names printed in the program).

 

Accessibility & Accommodations

 If you are a person with a disability who requires accommodation(s), please contact Chase Driskell (math-reception@illinois.edu) by May 2, 2025. Some accommodation requests (such as American Sign Language Interpreters) received after May 2, 2025 will be given due diligence to be filled but may not be guaranteed.

 

A student wearing graduation regalia gives the camera a thumbs up.
A doctoral candidate shakes the hand of his advisor. Both are wearing regalia.
Students in regalia line up to enter the Virginia Theatre.