With finals on the horizon, the fall semester is quickly coming to a close. For some, this marks the end of their academic journey at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Graduating students have the option to sign up for the Grad Walk on December 14 or take part in the Spring Commencement Ceremony on May 17.

The Grad Walk is a photo-opportunity for students who are unable to attend the traditional ceremony in the spring. While it is not a full ceremony, students wear their regalia, walk across the stage and receive their diploma from Chancellor Renée Wachter.

There are 259 students expected to graduate this fall. Of them, 173 are undergraduate students and 86 are graduate students.

Future graduate Luka Dragovic, a transportation and logistics management major, reflects on UWS’s role in preparing him for future success.

“My experiences here have definitely shaped me,” said Dragovic. “They gave me an insight into what my future career might look like and connected me to various employers around the area and abroad. UWS has strengthened my communication skills and my critical thinking skills. It opened new horizons and expanded my worldviews.”

During his time at UWS, Dragovic has played for the men’s basketball team, worked as an assistant in the residence halls and is an officer in the Transportation and Logistics Club.

After graduation, Dragovic plans to find a job in the Superior area.

“I like it here,” he said. “I like the sense of community Superior has.”

Graduation is surely a bittersweet time for students. Biology major Nathan Strafford can’t help but notice the things he will miss the most about UW-Superior.

“I will probably miss the staff and faculty at UWS the most,” said Strafford. “I have had many amazing professors for my classes who have supported me in my education and shown interest in my personal life. I also have loved interacting with the support staff throughout campus, from the Department of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to the Educational Success Center.”

The Educational Success Center has supported students in their navigation of the graduation process. Student Katie Aho reveals her appreciation for the assistance.

“The graduation process has overall been good,” Aho says. “The UWS staff has done a wonderful job at helping me with any questions I might have had, making sure all my credits are aligned, as well guiding me through the graduation process.”

Aho is graduating with a degree in communication, which has taught her the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in her future career. Ready to dive into the workforce, Aho already has an internship with a local marketing company after graduation.

“I was able to take an internship this past summer semester that went for credit,” said Aho. “This allowed me to get real-life experience in the marketing field, as well as count for my degree.”

By Olivia Fleming, English major and student writer for UWS.