Melissa Norman

The Commencement ceremony for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences featured the conferral of various bachelor's degrees upon graduates. The event included an academic procession, the performance of the national anthem, the introduction of faculty members, and a student address. Graduates were recognized for their academic achievements, including various levels of distinction, and were officially conferred their degrees following the recommendation of the faculty.

The 16th annual Krause Essay Prize ceremony honored John Lee Clark for his essay Against Access. The event included discussions on the nature of essaying and the protactile movement, which uses touch as a primary communication method for the deaf-blind community. The ceremony featured reflections on the history of the Krause Essay Prize, the importance of tactile art, and the contributions of historical figures like Edmund Booth to the Iowa state legislature. The program also highlighted student-led outreach initiatives and the role of the Nonfiction Writing Program in fostering community-oriented writing projects.

The Graduate Doctoral Commencement Ceremony included the conferral of doctoral degrees across various disciplines, including Audiology, Education, Musical Arts, Nursing Practice, Philosophy, and Physical Therapy. The ceremony featured an address by an alumna and recognized the achievements of the doctoral candidates, along with the participation of faculty members and university leadership.

The commencement ceremony featured opening remarks from the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, followed by the conferral of an honorary Doctor of Letters degree upon sculptor Charles Ray. The proceedings included the national anthem, the recognition of faculty members, and a keynote address by Charles Ray reflecting on his time as a student at the University of Iowa.

The strategic plan for The University of Iowa College of Law outlines its vision to be a leading public law school and an innovator in legal programming and research. It focuses on developing lawyers and leaders who advance civility, solve global problems, and advocate for justice and the rule of law. Key initiatives include ensuring student success in legal careers, excelling in legal research and scholarship to address contemporary problems, and broadening engagement to enhance understanding and access to legal systems in Iowa and globally, ultimately contributing to a more just society.