According to the University, the UI System will present more than 20,000 degrees after the completion of this semester, including undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees.

This is the second year the UI System has exceeded 20,000 degrees, and the number of degrees conferred could rise to more than 25,000 by 2025.

Compared to statistics released by the Illinois News Bureau last year stating 8,348 students graduated from the Champaign-Urbana campus, May 2019 is expected to see growth in individuals cross over a commencement stage this weekend.

Illinois alumnus and philanthropist Larry Gies gave an address at the campus-wide commencement ceremony at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. He encouraged graduates to “find your why” when entering the world after college.

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