The University of Wisconsin-Platteville awarded degrees to 1,037 graduates during its 216th commencement, held across three ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Bo Ryan Court in Williams Fieldhouse. Chancellor Tammy K. Evetovich congratulated graduates, highlighting their achievement that reflects hard work, perseverance and commitment. “Take time to reflect on how far you have come,” she urged. “Remember, growth happens when we stretch ourselves, embrace new challenges and step into the unknown.”
Family, friends, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate graduates from the College of Liberal Arts and Education, the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science and the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture throughout the day.
Jack Salzwedel, retired chairman and CEO of American Family Insurance, served as the principal speaker at each ceremony. Appointed by Gov. Tony Evers in 2024 to the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Salzwedel, a Wisconsin native, has been deeply committed to philanthropy and public service.
The 9 a.m. ceremony for the College of Liberal Arts and Education honored 319 graduates including associate degrees, bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates. Leah Hammill, a Spanish education major from Platteville, delivered the senior address. The college’s valedictorians were Payton J. Schmitz, Austin J. Bradley, Jaelyn R. Stadler and Lily M. Simon.
The 12:30 p.m. ceremony for the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science honored 357 graduates. Tony Kaseman, an environmental engineer from Madison, Wis., served as the senior speaker and incorporated juggling into his remarks. Edward Robert Paulson III was the college’s valedictorian.
The 4 p.m. ceremony for the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture honored 361 candidates for graduation. Student speaker Agiimaa “Agii” Kerwin earned dual Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in integrated supply chain management and business management. Cora Brooks and Kaitlyn Davis were the college’s valedictorians.
Videos of the commencement ceremony are archived at UWPlatt.edu/commencement and more photos can be found on the official UW-Platteville Facebook page.