Iowa State University celebrates 4770 graduates and honors posthumous degree recipient Ray Carroll

In a vibrant celebration of achievement, Iowa State University recently marked its commencement ceremony, where 4,770 students proudly received their diplomas. Among the graduates was Claire, daughter of Regent Jaden, who was honored to present her diploma, adding a personal touch to the day. The atmosphere was filled with joy as families gathered to witness their loved ones reach this significant milestone, a day often described as the happiest of the year.

The meeting highlighted the university's commitment to preparing graduates for successful futures. Several standout students were recognized for their accomplishments and future plans. Madeleine Moline, an agricultural biosystems engineering graduate, will begin her career at John Deere, while microbiology graduate Alex Bray is set to pursue graduate studies in plant pathology after gaining valuable experience through internships. Elijah Moore, a Hixson scholar, will continue his academic journey at the University of Oklahoma, and Alexis Schreich plans to further her education in accounting at Iowa State after interning with Principal Financial Group.

A particularly poignant moment during the meeting was the posthumous degree awarded to Ray Carroll, a World War II veteran who completed all his coursework but never received his diploma. His son, Chris, worked tirelessly for decades to honor his father's legacy, culminating in a heartfelt presentation at the graduation ceremony.

The university also celebrated its innovative initiatives, including a new program aimed at enhancing cybersecurity for Iowa farmers and rural businesses. This initiative, which has already reached over 2,600 farmers, provides essential education on safeguarding digital assets and has garnered national recognition for its impact.

In addition, the meeting introduced Raj Agnihotri as the new dean of the Ivy College of Business. With a wealth of experience and accolades, he is set to begin his tenure on July 1, bringing fresh leadership to the college.

As the meeting concluded, the focus remained on the students and their achievements, underscoring Iowa State University's dedication to fostering success and innovation within its community. The future looks bright for these graduates as they embark on their next chapters, equipped with the skills and knowledge gained during their time at Iowa State.