Peck School of the Arts ends its 2025-2026 school year by hosting Convocation, a commencement ceremony celebrating graduating PSOA students. The event showcased live performances and presentations from every department, displaying the accomplishments of soon-to-be alumni.
Seniors walked across the Bader Hall stage at the Zelazo Center in front of an audience filled with faculty, family, friends, and fellow students. Department heads recognized participants for their achievements by awarding them a gold stole that they will wear at UWM’s graduation.
Art’s Role in Humanity
Dr. Winifred Elysse Newman, Dean of the College of the Arts & Architecture, opened her keynote speech with a question.
“Why art? Why even do it?” Dr. Newman asked. “What does an artist do? What does an artist contribute to the world?”
To help answer the question, Dr. Newman took attendees back in time to when neanderthals and Homo sapiens walked the Earth.
Dr. Newman explained that making art was central to Homo sapiens’ survival because of the skills it allowed them to develop. Neanderthals, however, did not survive as a species.
“What didn’t the neanderthals do? Make art. Yet art is fundamental to all things,” Dr. Newman said. “It allows us to create things we cannot see and communicate with each other so we can flourish. Art is the reason why humanity survives.”
Alexander Henderson, who received a BFA in Film, was inspired by Dr. Newman’s words and is looking forward to what comes next. He’ll return to UWM in the fall to pursue a Master of Music in Piano.
“I was moved by the speech. PSOA impacted my work greatly,” said Henderson. “It gave me a perspective of possibilities that I didn’t even know were there.”
In her speech, Dr. Newman also praised PSOA faculty.
“I think one of the things that makes us so unique is that our faculty are also working professionals,” Dr. Newman said. “Our students see and hear what it takes to be a professional.”
The Faculty Ripple Effect
Convocation provided students with an opportunity to reflect on the ways faculty have inspired and impacted their artistic journeys.
“The faculty are encouraging,” said Rigby Bilek, who received a Theatre Production BFA. “There was a time in my life when I started losing my love for the theatre, and working with my professors showed me what my future can be.”
Abigail Knueppel, who received a Dance BFA, shared that one of the most significant parts of her studies was building a community with her professors and peers.
“All of the faculty push you to have experience in the real world and be the best version of yourself. They are so awe-inspiring,” Knueppel said. “They gave me a family that has loved and supported me for the past four years.”
Art Education BFA recipient Emerson Neczek will carry the lessons imparted to them by faculty for the rest of their lives.
“During my time here, my teachers have absolutely influenced all of the different ways I can bring art together,” Neczek said. “Here, they’ve helped me create lasting impacts, and relationships, and ways to change the world.”
The 2026 Peck School of the Arts Convocation recognized graduates from Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026.
Story by Payton Murphy ’27 (BFA Film)