2024 commencement elevated by reflections and future plans

Besides its important role as a moment to reflect on the fulfillment of lifelong dreams, commencement ushers in the freedom for new alumni to explore better lives for themselves and their families.

Approximately 9,000 family members and friends gathered at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate almost 1,000 graduates during Purdue University Fort Wayne’s 56th commencement. 

As PFW Chancellor Ron Elsenbaumer said, “As I look out at our graduates here today—and there are so many of you—I feel tremendous pride and hope. Hope for your success. Hope for your future. Hope for your good health. And hope for your happiness. 

“This journey has brought you to a pivotal moment in your lives. Whatever comes next, you should be truly proud of all that you have learned and all that you have accomplished during your time here at Purdue Fort Wayne.”

Though this was a group celebration, there were also some individual highlights.

Surrounded by a wave of support, Antwanette Jacobs became the first member of her family to receive a college degree. She’s still climbing, as she’ll use her psychology degree to pursue a master’s in organizational leadership next. 

“It meant a lot because it was a long journey to get here,” Jacobs said. “It was a lot of weight at first to come in as a freshman. It feels good to become the first to graduate and graduate with my friends. Seeing so many of us in the African American community graduate was special, especially creating a family as we were doing it.”

Continuing his remarkable story, Toko Htay, B.S. ’22, received his master’s in biological sciences, with plans to attend medical school to become an infectious disease specialist or a surgeon. After fleeing Myanmar with his family in 2008, Htay spent 7½ years in a Thailand refugee camp before immigrating to Fort Wayne in 2016. This year he was selected as the Department of Biological Sciences’ Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant. 

“I’ve always thought about where I came from,” Htay said. “What if I had stayed there? I might not be alive because there are so many things going on. I cannot imagine where I’d be right now without PFW. It’s become a bridge to my final goals, letting me improve all my skills, learn everything, and make lots of friends. I’m just really grateful for the support of all my professors who have encouraged me and helped me improve.”

While working on research with Jaiyanth Daniel, associate professor of biology, throughout his academic career while continuing to translate for his non-English speaking parents, Htay has worked two jobs, volunteered at Matthew 25 Health and Care, and served as president of PFW’s chapter of the American Society for Microbiology, and vice president of its Beta Beta Beta chapter for biological sciences.

Next week marks 17 years since Erica Predum suffered a severed spinal cord from an automobile accident that paralyzed her from the chest down, the worst of 27 injuries and fractures she received. 

Two years later, she started working to regain control of her life, and on Wednesday the human services major rolled her mobility scooter across the stage to receive her diploma.

“I relied heavily on the support provided by others in the human services field, and they inspired me to want to be that source of support for others,” Predum said. “I understand the importance of having someone in your corner to advocate and guide you towards living the life you desire, as independently as possible.”

Predum said she chose to attend PFW because the school allowed her a smooth transition back to college life with the necessary personalized support and encouragement. While working at Mobile Medical Homecare and interning at GiGi’s Playhouse, she intends to continue at PFW and work on a master’s in organizational leadership.

“The valuable knowledge, skills, and strong sense of community I gained at PFW will serve as a solid foundation for my journey ahead,” Predum said. “I have built a network that allows me to continue to grow. The guidance and mentorship from faculty and peers have boosted my personal and professional growth, instilling confidence in my path forward.

Much more than the traditional pomp and circumstance, PFW’s take on commencement day included activities in the Conference Center such as a lively after-party and the Chancellor’s New Alumni Dinner.

View the video below to experience more of Wednesday’s celebration.

To access a recording of the 2024 Commencement in its entirety, and also a photo gallery, visit the event website.

And click here to read Elsenbaumer’s full address to the more than 10,000 who were in attendance.