More than 700 graduates crossed the stage to be recognized at the University of Washington Information School’s 2025 Convocation ceremony on June 7 at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.
It was the iSchool’s largest class yet, honoring graduates of the Ph.D., Master of Library and Information Science, Master of Science in Information Management and Bachelor of Science in Informatics programs. Master of Arts in Museology students were scheduled to take part in a separate graduation celebration on June 13.
Dean Anind K. Dey began the ceremony with remarks acknowledging the challenges facing graduates at a tumultuous time. He likened the challenges facing international students and those seeking to work in research, academia and public service to a flight that’s going against the wind. He reminded graduates they have acquired skills and connections that will help them throughout their careers.
“We always notice the headwinds, but we don’t often appreciate the tailwinds,” Dey told graduates.
Keynote speaker Mark Mader, CEO of Smartsheet, spoke to graduates about the risks he took early in his career and how they paid off in the long run. He urged the audience to be ready to adapt and take on challenges.
“There has never been a better time for those who are willing to cast off the lines and set sail,” he said, “for those who roll up their sleeves and get creative, for those willing to take action and figure things out as they go.”
Associate Professor Marika Cifor gave a faculty address focusing on the need to be true to one’s values and to be determined in tough times.
“I know the challenges ahead are real,” Cifor said. “And yet, I’ve seen your brilliance, your tenacity, and your willingness to question the systems that are not built for all of us.”
In addition to the speeches and procession of graduates, students and faculty presented several awards:
Student Awards
The 21st Century Award, given by the Association of Library and Information Science Students, honors one residential and one online student who classmates say embody the spirit of librarianship. The online recipient was Caitlin Wheeler, whom ALISS representative Cambridge Teter said is “open-minded, thoughtful, and are always thinking about how to make the spaces they inhabit more welcoming, equitable, and joyful.”
Lexi Santiago was the residential recipient of the 21st Century Award. “She has advocated for herself and her classmates, and works hard to find new and innovative solutions to issues we see in librarianship today,” ALISS representative Anthony McKinnon said in announcing the award.
Kayla Tounalom was the recipient of the Mike Eisenberg Award, presented by the Informatics Undergraduate Association to the student who is most heavily involved and demonstrates the greatest impact on the iSchool community.
IUGA representative Sheamin Kim gave the Informatics awards, noting Tounalom’s involvement in the iMentorship program, the Winfo student group, and events for high school students. “Kayla is nothing if not a go-getter,” Kim said.
Jonathan Ortiz-Candelaria was the recipient of the Scott Barker Award, given to the Informatics student who most exemplifies the iSchool’s values. “Even before his admittance to the iSchool, Jonathan innately understood the power of information and always had a strong sense of justice and equity,” Kim said in announcing the award.
MSIM students presented the Archer Awards to standout students from both the online and residential modalities. Susan Acharya was the online recipient, with fellow student Elisheba Choppala noting that “her warmth, professionalism, and collaborative spirit made an immediate impact, not just on me, but on everyone around her.”
Anushka Bhagchandani presented the residential Archer Award to Kashyap Khandelwal, who she said “has been a quiet force of leadership and service throughout his time at UW.”
Faculty Awards
The Ruth Worden Award for Student Excellence in Library & Information Science went to David Strand. MLIS Chair Cindy Aden presented the award, hailing Strand for his work as an instructor, graduate assistant and research contributor. “We are so excited to welcome him to the library profession,” Aden said.
Informatics Program Chair Joel Ross presented the Faculty Award for Student Excellence in Informatics to Nila Ragu. “We recognize a student who has been deeply engaged as a student in our classes, who has been exceptional in her role as a lead teaching assistant for INFO 200, and who has been a leader in the iSchool student community through her work with Winfo,” Ross said.
Associate MSIM Program Chair Sara Sanford presented the Faculty Awards for MSIM Student Leadership. Ali Lo received the award for the Early-Career track; Nathan Wong was the recipient for the Early-Career Accelerated track; and Slane O’Faolain received the award for the Mid-Career track.
A recording of the ceremony is available on the Information School’s YouTube channel.