More than 6,000 students received their degrees at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s commencement ceremonies. This total included 3,400 undergraduate students, nearly half of whom are the first in their families to graduate.
According to UIC, their stories exemplify the opportunities for learning, growth, and community building.
One first-generation college graduate returned to school after a 30-year career as a paramedic, including 15 years with the Chicago Fire Department.
Another graduate served as a company commander in UIC’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program, benefiting from the support of mentors and friends gained through the program.
One Bachelor of Science graduate in Biomedical Engineering sought a challenging major, and the curriculum exceeded all their expectations.
Additionally, a student with aspirations in computer science pursued a bachelor’s degree in the field, followed by a master’s degree, to make a more significant contribution to the community.
In March, UIC announced plans to showcase impactful research across its campus and emphasize the importance of investing in this work.
In a one-minute video shared on social media, UIC highlighted its role as Chicago’s only public research university, comprising 16 colleges and schools.
The university features over a million square feet of research space and receives around half a billion dollars in annual research funding.
UIC’s research strengths include energy and materials science, biomedical research, drug discovery, environmental science, and sustainability.
Some of its top-ranked programs focus on neurosciences, ophthalmology, and pharmacy.
Events like the Undergraduate Research Forum showcase the work of the next generation of scientists being developed on campus.
UIC is a key part of Chicago’s vibrant research and innovation landscape, maintaining research and educational partnerships with Argonne National Laboratory.
Since 2010, UIC has generated $450 million in licensing income from its research activities and holds 758 active patents with 343 active licenses.
UIC faculty researchers tackle real-world problems to help ordinary people.
For example, some are developing diets to support cancer prevention, given that more than a dozen cancers are influenced by diet and lifestyle.
Other initiatives include research aimed at helping patients recover more quickly from craniofacial trauma and promoting diversity in clinical trials, particularly in the development of innovative therapies.
Some researchers focus on understanding why individuals with diabetes develop non-healing wounds, with one lab aiming to improve healing methods.
Perinatal epidemiology research is also crucial at UIC, as the institution continuously works to enhance health outcomes.
Commencement ceremonies have begun! 🎓 Read about these graduating UIC students set to embark on the next phase of their journey and see more photos by @UIClife here https://t.co/NspKt3hkPK#UICGrad25 #ClassOf2025 #Commencement #Graduation #UIC #ThisIsUIC pic.twitter.com/PK3eI5pSjm
— University of Illinois Chicago (@thisisUIC) May 8, 2025
Meet 4 inspiring @thisisUIC graduates ready to make their mark: https://t.co/BWZAH753Gh pic.twitter.com/PbvgwCxGPX
— UIC News (@UICnews) May 6, 2025
As Chicago's only public research university, UIC knows that research matters.
Over the next several weeks, UIC will highlight the impactful research happening across campus and the importance of investing in this work. We invite you to do the same using #UICResearchMatters pic.twitter.com/mnSrsF6wZJ— University of Illinois Chicago (@thisisUIC) March 31, 2025
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