Butler University celebrated the achievements of more than 1,000 graduates during the 2024 Commencement exercises held on Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11. Friends and families turned out in record numbers to celebrate the 818 undergraduate students and 218 graduate students who participated in the ceremonies.
The official University Commencement Ceremony occurred on Friday, May 10, in Hinkle Fieldhouse. Graduates from all academic colleges were collectively recognized by the Provost, Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and invited guest speakers. President James Danko conferred the degrees for the newest graduates, and they shared in the time-honored tradition of turning their tassels. Clarence Crain ’73 was honored with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his remarkable influence on Butler University, Indianapolis, and Indiana.
Katie Stanley ’24 and Scott Bridge ’82, MS ’91, delivered inspiring speeches that filled the ceremony with hope and appreciation for the Butler community. During his commencement remarks, President James Danko highlighted not only the impressive academic achievements of the Class of 2024 but also their profound personal growth.
“You deserve tremendous praise for your resilience, adaptability, and perseverance,” President Danko said. “Your journey through Butler has been uniquely challenging. In your very first semester, the COVID-19 pandemic upended what we all considered normal, introducing you to a collegiate life marked by online classes, social distancing, and profound uncertainty. Despite these disruptions, you showed extraordinary determination and fortitude. Your seamless adaptation to these abrupt changes, maintaining focus and commitment under such unpredictable conditions, highlights your remarkable character and promises great potential for your future endeavors.”
On Saturday, May 10, graduates were recognized during their individual College Celebrations. This tradition—which began in 2021—truly showcases each academic college’s individual spirit and identity. Each College Celebration features a faculty speaker, a student speaker, and other invited guests uniquely suited to best honor the achievements of their graduates. Although degrees were officially conferred at the University Commencement Ceremony on Friday, these ceremonies allow graduates to be individually recognized as their names were called to receive their diplomas and walk across the stages of Clowes Memorial Hall or the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts.
These celebrations were made possible by the hard work and dedication of more than 100 staff members and faculty who assisted with logistics and participated in the ceremonies. The collaborative spirit of the Butler community was evident throughout the weekend, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for graduates and their families.
President Danko concluded the weekend by expressing his gratitude to everyone involved: “The smooth execution of our Commencement ceremonies highlighted the spirit of collaboration that defines our Butler community. These events allowed our graduates to shine and provided their families with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.”
For those unable to attend, recordings of the 2024 University Commencement Ceremony and College Celebrations are available online.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024! We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make in the world.