MILWAUKEE — College seniors who missed their chance to walk across the stage four years ago in high school are now taking the limelight.

What You Need To Know

  • More than 1,500 Marquette University students graduated Saturday afternoon at the Fiserv Forum.

  • For this COVID class, it’s a special experience considering many waited online, instead of in line, to get their high school diploma

  • Although the class of 2024 may have had a different experience as a class, they’re going to continue the Marquette motto to “Be the Difference”

More than 1,500 Marquette University students graduated Saturday afternoon at Fiserv Forum. 

For this COVID class, it’s a special experience considering many waited online, instead of in line, to get their high school diploma. 

“I graduated high school on Youtube Live,” said Zach Eugene, a Marquette graduate. “It sucked.”

“It was outside one football field in the middle of July, so it was a little weird,” said Marquette graduate Dan Ciriacks, recalling his high school graduation. “It was very delayed, but to be here, it’s a treat.”

“I did not have a proper graduation,” said another Marquette graduate Donny Robbins. “I just had like the drive-thru, went in the car, got my diploma, and there was a separate day for pictures. It wasn’t the full graduation experience.”

This time, it’s different. 

It’s a day of celebration and gratitude for all the hard work that led up to this moment, as families and loved ones gathered to support these college graduates. 

“We’re really proud of him and despite all of the issues with COVID, he was able to get though all of the education online,” said Anna Nudelman who is watching her son graduate. “We’re really proud of him.”

It’s a special time to watch them walk across the stage, especially for Jackie Sporer, a triplet, driving in from Glenview, Ill., to see her sister graduate and cheer her on. 

“It’s definitely weird for all of us, especially my siblings because none of us got a graduation,” said Sporer. “I’m actually excited for her to finally have her moment.”

The wait is finally over. 

“All of schooling has led up to this point, so it’s really exciting to see it finally finish,” said Robbins. 

Although the class of 2024 may have had a different experience as a class, they’re going to continue the Marquette motto to “Be the Difference.”

“It’s amazing to see all the hard work coming to fruition,” said Ciriacks. “Marquette’s a great school, and I’m honored to be receiving a degree today.”

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