Back in February, Chancellor Miranda addressed the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) community with a heartfelt video message. She returns now to speak again from her kitchen table, this time with University Hall visible in the background.
In her previous message, she anticipated ongoing challenges for the university. Her predictions have come true as UIC faced funding cuts across various disciplines, threats to student visa statuses, and challenges regarding tuition status for undocumented students. Despite these difficulties, Chancellor Miranda assures that efforts are being made both behind the scenes and publicly to address these issues. This includes forming alliances with other universities and national organizations.
Chancellor Miranda emphasized UIC's dual mission of access and excellence as a source of strength during challenging times. The university has been recognized as No. 1 in Illinois for social mobility and No. 10 nationally. The Carnegie Foundation also designated UIC as an “Opportunity University,” acknowledging its success in providing college education access and higher earnings after graduation.
As commencement approaches, Chancellor Miranda looks forward to celebrating the hard work of students, faculty, and staff who support them along their academic journey.
"At commencement," she said, "we celebrate all that hard work... our commitment to access and excellence... our graduating students."