The commencement ceremony recognizes students who have completed certificates, diplomas, or associate degree programs during the Fall 2023, Spring 2024, or Summer 2024 semester.
The event will be held at the University of Northern Iowa McLeod Center in Cedar Falls.
Information for Graduates
See Commencement Ceremony Information for Graduates.
Information for Guests
The doors to the McLeod Center will open for guests at 5:30pm. Guests do not need a ticket to attend.
Guests can enter the McLeod Center through the Northwest and Southwest doors. The Northwest doors are handicap accessible and have an elevator to the McLeod Center seating.
Parking Locations and Entrances
Guest parking is available south of the McLeod Center on W 27th Street and Panther Pkwy.
Keynote Speaker
Quentin Hart, Mayor, City of Waterloo
Mayor Quentin Hart is the first African American elected to the office of mayor for the City of Waterloo. Preceding the election, Mr. Hart was the associate director of multicultural affairs for Hawkeye Community College, providing leadership for multicultural initiatives and promoting awareness and appreciation for diversity on campus and the community. In the eight years preceding his election, Mayor Hart represented the citizens of Waterloo as Ward 4 Councilman and was the first African American-appointed Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Waterloo.
He received his Master of Arts in Education in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs from the University of Northern Iowa and is also a 2013 graduate of the Thomas Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership. Hart is happily married to Cassandra Hart, a 2007 Gold Star Award Teacher, and is the father of two sons, Quentin Jr. and Quenden; and one daughter, Halayah.
Student Speaker
Lisa Ellingworth, Professional Photography
Lisa Ellingworth has played many roles in her life, but she never thought "college graduate" would be one of them. She worked for nearly three decades as a floral designer while she and her husband, Jon, raised three daughters. Always a creative person, she took up photography as a hobby and quickly fell in love with it. She enrolled in a few classes at Hawkeye to improve her skills, never intending to complete a degree. However, she loved the new skills she was gaining, and her instructors encouraged her to continue in the Professional Photography program.
She dove head first into the program, taking summer classes, joining Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Photography Club, serving as its president in her second year. She had her photography exhibited in the Student Art Show, and had one of her photos selected as the cover for "Iconic Iowa," a book published by Iowa PBS. She was recently selected as one of five Emerging Iowa Artists to be featured at the 2024 Des Moines Art Festival.
After graduation, she plans to put her degree to use at her new business: Wandering Ivy Photography in Waverly, where she will focus on portraiture and fine art photography.
"Hawkeye Community College has given me opportunities I didn't know were there for me," she said. "I have grown and learned in many different ways."
Student Speaker
Alina Brühlmeier, Liberal Arts
During high school in her native Switzerland, Alina Brühlmeier studied business and worked for a year as an intern for a Swiss bank. An avid soccer player, she came to Hawkeye for the opportunity to join the RedTail Women's Soccer team, as well as continue her education in business and finance.
Alina found success in both her athletic and academic pursuits at Hawkeye. She joined the RedTail Track and Field throwing team in addition to soccer, served as vice-president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and coached for the Cedar Valley Soccer Club. Off the field, she participated in the Honors Program, joined the International Student Club, worked as a Student Ambassador for the Admissions office, and was selected to serve as a Student Representative on the Board of Trustees.
After completing her Liberal Arts degree at Hawkeye, she has committed to Webber International University in Florida for soccer, and plans to earn a finance degree.
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