PSOA ended its 2025 school year by hosting Convocation, a ceremony held to celebrate Peck School of the Arts graduates receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The ceremony featured live performances and showcases from each department, spotlighting what students have accomplished during their time at UWM.
Convocation and Graduation
Excited for what comes next, graduates reported feeling prepared because of their time at UW-Milwaukee. Graduating students were recognized for their achievements in remarks from department chairs to an audience full of family, friends and faculty. Participants walked the Bader Hall stage at the Zelazo Center to receive a gold stole that prominently displays the word “Arts.” They’ll wear them proudly at the UWM graduation the following day.
William “Bucko” Crooks, who is receiving an MFA in Art with a focus on sculpture, was one of the many students to be recognized.
“The time for individuality begins now,” said Bucko. “Now that you’re leaving the institution, your practice is truly your own.”
The ceremony was an occasion to reflect on the wealth of resources students have at UWM, such as hands-on experiences, research funding and professional connections. Ang Van Den Eden, who received a Studio Art BFA with a dual focus in Ceramics and Sculpture, was especially impacted by these resources.
“I took advantage of my resources,” said Van Den Eden. “I was able to do glaze chemistry research for my degree with the Student Undergraduate Research Fund and with grants, and I’m better off for it.”
Advocating for Art and Artists
The ceremony opened with a touching speech by Associate Professor and Head of School Steve Wetzel (BFA 2000, Film), reflecting on the importance of advocating for art and artists in the changing world. “Art has been and always will be important,” he said. “Nothing could ever be accomplished without art. Advocating for artists is one of the most important things.”
Wetzel echoed sentiments by outgoing Dean of the College of the Arts & Architecture, Kevin Hartman. He encouraged graduates to find occasions to personally thank family members, supporters and educators who made an impact in their artistic journeys to this point, calling on them to remain invested in the arts.
Graduates and audience members were noticeably moved, giving insight into how their own experiences as artists and supporters will continue to fuel their passion and advocacy.
“Art is super important. It’s an expression of being a human being regardless of how you’re expressing it,” said Lucas Wick, who also received a BFA in Art, at the dessert reception following the ceremony. “If you want to be silly, be silly. People need to laugh sometimes. Just do art and support art because art is everything.”
The 2025 Peck School of the Arts Convocation recognized graduates from Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025.
Story by Payton Murphy ’28 (BFA Film)