Convocation
School of MCB Convocation, Spring 2025
The School of MCB May 2025 convocation was held Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The School of MCB May 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 9 a.m. at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Additional information regarding the ceremony will be available in January 2026.
Fall 2025 graduates will be invited to participate in the LAS Winter Convocation that will be held in December 2025.
Questions about the School of MCB convocation can be sent to convocation@mcb.illinois.edu or by calling 217-333-6774.
GradImages has been contracted by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology to take photos of graduates during the ceremonies. Graduates can order photos by calling the GradImages' Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, visiting www.gradimages.com, or emailing ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
Title
2025 MCB Convocation Speaker
Dr. Susan Martinis was the Illinois alumna speaker at the School of MCB 2025 convocation. Illinois alumna Dr. Susan Martinis is an engaged biomedical researcher, committed educator, and experienced academic leader. As Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she oversees the campus-wide interdisciplinary research institutes, University of Illinois Research Park, Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park, and corporate engagement as well as promotes new research initiatives, translation, and entrepreneurship, As the Stephen G. Sligar Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, she investigates mechanisms, evolution, and biomedical applications of protein synthesis and RNA-protein interactions using aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.
Students who have completed degree requirements in August 2025 or December 2025, or will complete degree requirements in May 2026 or August 2026 are eligible to participate in the May 17, 2026 ceremony.
Undergraduate Degree:
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
- Bachelor of Science in LAS with major in MCB Honors Concentration
- Bachelor of Science in LAS with major in MCB
- Bachelor of Science in LAS with major in Neuroscience
Master's Degree:
- Master of Science from one of the following departments: Biochemistry, Cell & Developmental Biology, Microbiology, Molecular & Integrative Physiology
- Master of Science from one of the following programs: Biophysics & Quantitative Biology or Neuroscience
- Master of Science from the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology
Doctor of Philosophy:
- Doctor of Philosophy from one of the following departments: Biochemistry, Cell & Developmental Biology, Microbiology, Molecular & Integrative Physiology
- Doctor of Philosophy from one of the following programs: Biophysics & Quantitative Biology or Neuroscience
University-Wide Ceremonies
Past MCB Convocations
2024
Congratulations to our 2024 graduates!
School of MCB May 2024 Convocation video
School of MCB May 2024 Convocation program
The ceremony photographer was GradImages. Graduates can order photos by calling the GradImages' Customer Service Department at 800-261-2576, visiting www.gradimages.com, or emailing ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
Our 2024 speaker was Dr. Kameno Bell.
2023
Congratulations to our 2023 graduates! Click below to watch a video of the May ceremony or view the Convocation program.
School of MCB May 2023 Convocation video
School of MCB May 2023 Convocation program
2021
2020
- Video of the School of MCB Virtual Convocation Ceremony from December 19, 2020
- December 2020 Congratulatory Message from Chancellor Robert J. Jones
- 2020 College of LAS Winter Convocation program (PDF)
- Video of the College of LAS Virtual Celebration from December 2020
Hosted by Dean Gene Robinson. The alumni speaker is 1986 Biology graduate, Dr. Julie Morita. We're proud of Dr. Morita for her work as a physician, Executive Vice President of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and a newly named member of President Biden's transition COVID-19 Advisory Board. - Video of the School of MCB Virtual Convocation Ceremony from Spring 2020
- School of MCB Convocation Program, Spring 2020 (PDF)
- Video of the university-wide Commencement celebration from Spring 2020
- College of LAS congratulatory video to the class of 2020
Featuring Dean Hu, some of your beloved professors and instructors, and a special musical guest.
2010s
- Video of The School of MCB Convocation Ceremony, May 12, 2019
- School of MCB Convocation Program May 12, 2019 (PDF)
- Video of The School of MCB Convocation Ceremony, May 13, 2018
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Video of The School of MCB Convocation Ceremony, May 14, 2017
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Video of The School of MCB Convocation Ceremony, Sunday, May 15, 2016
- School of MCB Convocation Program May 15, 2016
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Video of The School of MCB Convocation Ceremony, Sunday, May 17, 2015
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Video of The School of MCB Convocation Ceremony, Sunday, May 18, 2014.
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Video of The School of MCB Convocation Ceremony, Saturday, May 11, 2013
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Video of The School of MCB Convocation Ceremony, Saturday, May 12, 2012.
Contact
If you have any further questions regarding convocation, including accessibility concerns, please contact SMCB Convocation Coordinator at convocation@mcb.illinois.edu or call (217) 333-6774.