Rasmussen University to Celebrate 450 Graduates at its Illinois Commencement Ceremony

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Regional Nurse Executive to inspire and encourage graduates in their professional journeys DEKALB, Ill., April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen University is pleased to celebrate the achievements of more than 450 graduates during its 2026 Illinois Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m. at the NIU Convocation Center. In addition to the in-person celebration, more than 130 graduates will join via livestream. Graduates registered for the ceremony come from 24 different states and locally from Rasmussen's four Illinois campuses: Rockford, Romeoville/Joliet, Aurora/Naperville, and Mokena/Tinley Park. The ceremony will recognize graduates from the Classes of 2025 and 2026, honoring those who completed their programs over the past year. The event will bring together graduates, families, faculty and staff to celebrate their accomplishments and mark the beginning of their next chapter as professionals and community leaders across the University's eight areas of study: business, design, education, health sciences, human services, justice studies, nursing, and technology. "This ceremony is one of the most meaningful moments of the academic year," said Dr. Carrie Daninhirsch, provost at Rasmussen University. "Rasmussen is proud to continue honoring a legacy rooted in expanding opportunity through education. Each graduate represents the perseverance and dedication that education makes possible, and we're excited to see the impact they will make in their communities and careers." Commencement Speakers The ceremony will feature remarks from several distinguished speakers representing the Rasmussen community and the industries its graduates serve. Keynote Speaker:Kristie Geil, DNP, MSN, RN, CENP, chief nursing officer at UW Health Northern Illinois, will deliver the keynote address. Dr. Geil, a recognized nurse leader with nearly 30 years of healthcare experience, has led initiatives across rural hospitals and complex healthcare systems in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work emphasizes patient safety, quality outcomes, workforce development, and community-centered care. Rasmussen University selected Dr. Geil as the keynote speaker to highlight the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals and to inspire graduates—particularly those in nursing and health sciences, which comprise a large portion of Rasmussen'...

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