Approximately 345 students received diplomas at the University of Wisconsin-Superior's 114th Commencement held May 15 in Siinto S. Wessman Arena.

The graduates weren't the only people to be honored at the event. Dr. Kevin P. Reilly, president of the University of Wisconsin System and commencement speaker, announced that he was granting Chancellor Emeritus status to Chancellor Julius Erlenbach, who will retire August 1.

In addition, Reilly thanked Congressman David Obey for his long-standing support of higher education and the University of Wisconsin System. Reilly noted that Obey "fought long and hard for more student aid." Obey announced recently that he will not run for re-election.

Erlenbach presided over his final commencement ceremony and presented diplomas to students who earned associate, bachelor's, master's and specialist's degrees. The university granted approximately 300 undergraduate degrees and 45 graduate degrees.

Reilly has served as president of the University of Wisconsin System since 2004. The UW System's two doctoral universities, 11 comprehensive universities, 13 freshman-sophomore UW Colleges, and statewide UW-Extension annually serve more than 178,000 students, and reach more than 1 million Wisconsin citizens through outreach, public broadcasting, and continuing education programs. 

Student speaker was Amos Tarfa of Abuja, Nigeria, who graduated with a major in chemistry and a minor in philosophy. He was chosen for the honor based on his academic and student achievements at UW-Superior.