Commencement 2023 Speakers

More than 149 will receive their degrees at the University of Minnesota Rochester’s (UMR) commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13. The following were selected to speak at the ceremony.

Jennifer Wacek, PhD

Faculty Speaker 

Dr. Jennifer Wacek earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the College of St. Benedict. She taught high school English for two years before pursuing her M.A. and Ph.D. in Comparative Literature at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, specializing in 20th century literature in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic. During her doctoral work, she discovered a passion for working with undergraduate students and has been teaching literature, writing, and Capstone at the University of Minnesota, Rochester since 2010.

Words for the graduating class of 2023: “Don't treat life like a checklist where you are doing things just to fulfill someone else's list of requirements. Live your life, make decisions that are meaningful to you, and enjoy the path you are on without constantly comparing yourself to others.”

Chloe Bunke

BSHP Student, Echocardiography

Chloe Bunke grew up on a small farm outside of Rushford, MN, and enjoys spending time with family and friends. In the fall of 2019, Chloe started her first year at UMR. Throughout her time as a student, she has been an ambassador and a part of the Health Professions Mentoring Program for three years. Chloe has a passion for healthcare and is eager to begin her career in echocardiography.

Advice to current UMR students: "My advice to current students is to embrace change as it comes. You may think you know what you want to do, but don't be afraid to explore other opportunities and find what you are truly passionate about. It can be stressful, but try to enjoy the time you have and see where life takes you."

Pal Koak

BSHS Student

Pal Koak was born in Ethiopia, raised in Kenya, and came to the US at the age of 8, knowing (from firsthand experience) what the importance of medicine is to a community. So, from a young age he knew he wanted to go into medicine. When it came time to apply, he chose Med City and the UMR Community. Pal has 2 siblings, making him the middle child. So, when he's not being younger brother to his older brother and older brother to his younger brother, he enjoys writing, playing pingpong, lifting weights, camping, and getting excited about the future, especially the MD-PhD path. 

Advice to current UMR students: "You may feel under the microscope now with your involvement in classes, extracurriculars and all the other things going on in your life. But know that whatever the truth of the matter you want to find, you cannot be too dialed in or too dialed out of your situation. The truest image of your situation will require a consistent combination of dialing in and dialing out."