“They will always be members of the Warhawk family. No matter where they go in life, all of our graduates have this connection to this very special place that has prepared them, nurtured them, and we will continue to be there for them even after they graduate,” said Executive Director Jeff Angileri.”
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater December 2025 Commencement Ceremony took place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in the Williams Center led by Commencement Speaker Mark Perry and Student Speaker Samuel Bardales.
In a rapidly changing world, UW-W possesses a core curriculum and general education program designed to prepare students to become lifelong learners and navigate evolving careers. This equips them to navigate changing cultures, dynamics and the realities of the world.
To accomplish this, UW-Whitewater continues to instill its core values of collaboration, inclusivity and opportunity; integrity, learning and academic excellence; service and social responsibility; and shared governance throughout the curriculum.
UW-W graduates possess a skill set enabling them to achieve success in many areas. It’s crucial for both current students and graduates to never give up, and to challenge themselves for whatever is waiting in the future ahead.
“You can see how special it is for their families to witness someone achieving something no one in their family has ever achieved before,” Angileri said. “So that’s truly special. It’s simply a time for celebration. It’s a time of great potential. There’s always opportunities to continue to learn and continue to be engaged.”
The Student Side of the Story
Zack Koenig, a UW-Whitewater student graduating this fall with a degree in cybersecurity, explained that his experience at UW-W showed him the importance of seeking knowledge outside the classroom.
“After my internship, I realized how much more I still needed to learn,” Koenig said. “That’s why it’s important to go beyond assignments, get involved in clubs, and take on projects that challenge you.”
Koenig added that he feels prepared and excited to enter the real world, where he plans to continue developing new skills and pursuing a career in cyber security.
Biology major Salaar Akbar, a student graduating this fall, stated that the Undergraduate Research Program at UW-W greatly helped improve his academic performance. The program provides research funding to students of all majors, helping them to practice what they learn in class in real research.
“College goes by really fast and you get out of it what you put into it,” Akbar said. “So if you really try and appreciate the experience others can offer, you will grow tremendously as a person, if you’re willing to put yourself out there and try. Just keep that in mind.”
Koenig and Akbar joined the Enactus Club in their fourth year, achieving remarkable results and ultimately representing the United States at the Enactus World Cup, a global business competition held in Thailand. Their advice is that any beginning can feel daunting, but rather than ignore those feelings – move forward with them. Where there are those who lead, there will inevitably be those who follow, but that shouldn’t hinder young people from working towards your goals.
Recent May 2025 graduate Annabella Biever advises December grads to not forget that there are thousands of other recent graduates who will feel the same way as they do navigating the job market.
“The first year transition out of college can feel strange, awkward, and most prominently lonely,” said Biever. “Whether it’s going to a 9-to-5, moving across the country for a master’s/doctoral program, or having to move back home because rents are too expensive: don’t forget to reach out to your friends and give yourself grace. Always remember, you’re a Warhawk!”
For more information about the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater December 2025 Commencement Ceremony visit https://www.uww.edu/commencement.
