277 students receive degrees at IUPUC commencement

Staff Reports

IUPUC held its 2021 commencement celebration ceremony Thursday at the Airpark Columbus campus.

The Class of 2021 includes 277 students receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology, business, business administration, education, communication studies, community health advocacy, criminal justice, English, general studies, mechanical engineering, mental health counseling, nursing, psychology, and sociology. In addition, the ceremony honored the 377 graduates from 2020, whose in-person commencement was canceled due to pandemic restrictions.

Student speakers include Arianna Woods, President of the Student Government Activities Board who gave the welcoming address, and Taylor Russell, who gave Chancellor’s Scholar address.

The keynote speaker for the ceremony was Brigadier General Cheryn L. Fasano, Commanding General, 377th Theater Sustainment Command. Brigadier General Fasano serves as the Deputy Commanding General (Operational Command Post) for the 377th Theater Sustainment Command headquartered in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. She is an Indiana University graduate and received a Reserve commission as a Second Lieutenant from the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis in May 1989.

During the ceremony, Brigadier General Fasano received the Indiana University Bicentennial Medal which is awarded to organizations and individuals who, through their personal, professional, artistic, or philanthropic efforts, broadened the reach of Indiana University around the state, nation, and world.

The ceremony was livestreamed, and a video replay will be made available online at graduation.iupuc.edu.