President Wendy Wintersteen congratulates students at fall 2023 commencement in Hilton Coliseum. Photo by Christopher Gannon.
AMES, Iowa – Commencement is a time for celebration. For some Iowa State University students graduating this fall, the milestone is even more meaningful because of the financial support they received in the final stretch to earn their degree.
Every semester, the university provides completion grants to seniors at risk of not completing their degree due to financial difficulties. Over the past five years, the university has provided $3 million in completion grants to more than 1,500 students. Iowa State’s First Scholars Office, which is an initiative supported by the strategic plan, offers grants to cover expenses such as tuition, books, housing, transportation and emergency expenses.
The grants are a game-changer for students. The First Scholars Office has received many notes of gratitude, similar to the one below, from students sharing how the grant helped them cross the finish line.
“Without this grant, I likely would’ve had to move back home with nothing to show for my time at Iowa State. I am the oldest of 3 siblings, of which 2 of us are currently in university…Having received this grant has not only ensured that I graduate on time but also that there’s enough financial resources for my siblings as well. I will eternally be grateful for having received this amazing opportunity.”
Students helping students
Several first-generation students will have the opportunity to participate in fall commencement ceremonies after receiving free academic caps and gowns. Past graduates donated their caps and gowns that were then distributed through First Scholars.
Students who would like to donate their used caps and gowns will find donation bins at the north, south and west entrances of Hilton Coliseum at the conclusion of their graduation ceremony. They can place their items in a bin or grab a postage-paid envelope near the bin to mail in their regalia at a later date.
University ceremonies
Fall graduates will celebrate their achievements during commencement ceremonies at Hilton Coliseum on Dec. 20-21.
An estimated 1,408 bachelor’s degree recipients will be honored during a 1:30 ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 21. An estimated 245 master’s and 110 doctoral students will be honored at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20. For those who cannot attend, a livestream is available:
Commencement speakers
Kimberly Ryan, president and CEO of Hillenbrand, Inc., will give the commencement address for the undergraduate ceremony. Ryan was raised in Ottumwa and received her bachelor’s degree from Iowa State in 1989. As a student, she served as president and treasurer of Alpha Phi, was active in business clubs and worked as an auditor for a local hotel chain. Ryan has served on the Dean’s Advisory Council in the Ivy College of Business since 2022.
Robert C. Brown, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering and Gary and Donna Hoover Chair in Mechanical Engineering, will speak at the graduate ceremony. Brown is the founding director and current co-director of ISU’s Bioeconomy Institute. His research focuses on advanced biofuels, plastics upcycling and carbon negative energy. Most recently, Brown established a brewing science program and brewing laboratory at Iowa State.
More celebrations
The six undergraduate colleges will honor graduating students at their own convocations and receptions on Friday or Saturday morning. Click on the college name below for a link to the event livestream or reception details.
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, Hilton Coliseum
- College of Health and Human Sciences, 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, Stephens Auditorium
- Ivy College of Business, 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, Hilton Coliseum
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, Stephens Auditorium
- College of Design, 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, Kocimski Auditorium – 101 Design
- College of Engineering, Dec. 20-21, click link for times and locations
Parking information
Parking is available between Hilton Coliseum and Jack Trice Stadium and in the lots north of Hilton and the Scheman Building. Additional parking is available at Jack Trice Stadium and Maple Willow Larch (click here for parking maps).
Guests should plan to arrive early to find parking; carpooling is encouraged. Handicap parking is available in lot C2, directly south of Hilton.