RIVER FALLS – More than 300 students will receive their degrees from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls during the fall Commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. in Page Arena in the Falcon Center, 185 Emogene Nelson Ave., River Falls.  

A total of 308 students are set to graduate; 281 will receive bachelor’s degrees and 27 will receive master’s degrees.  

“Commencement is a celebration of achievement, perseverance and growth,” said Wes Chapin, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “It honors the talent our graduates possess, the knowledge they’ve gained and the unwavering dedication they’ve shown in earning their degrees.” 

“Each graduate represents a journey defined by excellence, resilience and a passion for learning,” said John Chenoweth, interim chancellor. “Commencement fills me with pride and joy as we honor their success and look ahead to the impact they will make.” 

The event will feature faculty speaker Kurt Torgersen, a senior lecturer in chemistry and biotechnology, who is this year’s recipient of UWRF’s highest faculty honor, the Distinguished Teaching Award. Torgerson is known for his dedication to students' individual success and his ability make his class an enjoyable part of the day, even when the material is challenging.   

The graduating student speaker will be Cassie Christian, a chemistry major and Spanish minor from Blaine, Minn. Christian served as president of the Chancellor’s Student Ambassadors and was a student representative to the UW-River Falls Foundation Board. She has also been active in educating young students about chemistry.  

The commencement ceremony will also be available via YouTube livestream at students.uwrf.edu/commencement.  

Submitted by UW-River Falls