University of Wisconsin Oshkosh graduating student Lauren LaDell, of Mequon, will deliver the midyear commencement speech on behalf of her class Dec. 19.
The commencement ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. at UW Oshkosh’s Kolf Sports Center.
LaDell majored in communication studies and minored in radio-TV-film and has completed her undergraduate degree in three years.
Throughout her undergraduate career, she has participated in the University Honors Program, Alpha Lambda Delta, an organization that promotes superior academic achievement, intelligent living and a continued high standard of learning, as well as the Communication Club, University Choir, Titan Catholics and Titan Volunteers. She also served as the men’s basketball manager.
She said finding out her speech was chosen for the commencement address was shocking.
“It is a really big honor to represent everyone,” she said.
She said her speech is based upon her experience singing with Grammy-award winning country music singer, songwriter and guitarist Keith Urban at SummerFest this past summer.
LaDell said the essence of her address is about discovering one’s voice.
“You can pursue a different passion, you don’t have to stick to one persona,” she said. “When you graduate, it doesn’t matter if you’re a sales major or a marketing major, you can do whatever you want.”
After graduation, LaDell will work as vice president of sales and marketing for Recon Relocation General Contractor based in Milwaukee.
For LaDell, taking 21 credits per semester to meet her goal of graduating in less than four years is an achievement she takes pride in.
Throughout her undergraduate career at UWO, LaDell completed several internship positions at businesses including Cumulus Broadcasting Inc. in Oshkosh and MKE Sports and Entertainment—an opportunity she landed through a UW Oshkosh networking event.
LaDell said greatness cannot be achieved by waiting for it to happen.
“Your time here can be really great if you make the most out of it and don’t just sit back. You have to take action if you want to do something positive with your life,” LaDell said. “Make it what you want it to be.”
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