Swart urges grads to ‘be open to possibilities’ in keynote address
350 graduates from all 5 campuses and degree programs were recognized at May 2 commencement Heading link
350 graduates from all campuses and degree programs were recognized during May 2 commencement ceremony
At the UIC College of Nursing commencement ceremony, keynote speaker Susan Y. Swart, EdD, MSN ’05, RN, CAE, urged graduates to “always be open to possibilities.”
Swart is an alumna of UIC Nursing, as well as executive director of ANA-IL, the Illinois Nurses Foundation and the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing. During her on May 2 keynote address, Swart spoke about having early doubts about her capabilities in an interview for her first nursing job in a medical ICU. She said the hiring manager’s belief in her gave her the courage to accept the position.
“As you move forward, remember it’s OK to not have all the answers,” she said. “It’s OK to feel uncertain about the next steps. What’s important is to remain open to opportunities – to the opportunities that life will present you and to the people who will help guide your path.”
More than 350 graduates from across UIC Nursing’s campuses and degree programs – bachelor’s, master’s, Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD – were celebrated at the joyous ceremony held at UIC’s Credit Union 1 Arena. Graduating students sported mortarboard caps decorated and personalized with flowers, feathers, flags and personalized messages, such as, “eaRN’d it” and “First gen RN.”
UIC Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda also addressed the nursing graduates and their families, calling these students “very special” and noting that the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected their college experience. She praised 2024 grads for their adaptability during the pandemic and their resilience in continuing to pursue their degrees.
“Some graduated high school just as the world shut down from COVID,” she said. “For others, COVID shaped your life in big ways during your time in UIC.”
Jill Chokshi, DNP ’24, delivered the student remarks. Among the awards given out to students were the Cardew-Mullane Award in Clinical Excellence and Leadership to Siomara Sotelo, DNP ’24, and the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research to PhD student Madison Goodyke. Additionally, students selected RN-BSN program instructor Leta Vega, DNP, MS ’03, to receive the 2024 Silver Circle Award for Teaching Excellence. See all awards here.
In her address to students, Swart noted the “vast landscape of possibilities” available to nurses.
“Nursing is a profession without boundaries, where innovation and creativity thrive,” she said. “From research and education to administration and policy-making, there are endless avenues for you to explore and to excel in.”
Swart, who represents the voices of nearly 200,000 registered nurses across Illinois, implored the graduates to be advocates – for better patient care, safer working conditions, health equity and policy changes for themselves and for their colleagues.
“Advocacy is the heartbeat of our profession, the driving force behind everything that we do,” she said. “It is about speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves, about championing the rights and the dignity of our patients, and about advancing the interests of our profession as a whole.”
She concluded by telling the graduates that, “being a nurse is not just about caring for others, it’s about learning to care for yourself, as well.”
“Nurture your physical, emotional and mental health, so you can continue to provide the highest quality of care to your patients and your communities,” she said. “Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup, so take care of yourself as you care for others. This journey is yours. Enjoy each and every step.”
