Madison Reporter

On a cold Sunday morning at the Kohl Center, nearly 1,400 graduates of the University of Wisconsin–Madison received practical life advice during their Winter 2024 Commencement. The ceremony featured Dan Jacobs, a Milwaukee restaurateur and finalist on "Top Chef: Wisconsin," who taught graduates how to spatchcock and roast a chicken. Wearing a Badgers apron, Jacobs demonstrated his culinary skills on stage.

"[This] might possibly be one of the most important lessons you ever learn," Jacobs told the audience. "Everyone should be able to make a good roast chicken." Beyond cooking tips, he urged graduates to stay curious and open to new experiences in their careers and relationships.

“The thing I love most about cooking is that the learning never stops; as chefs, we’re constantly evolving, experimenting, and refining our style,” said Jacobs. “That endless curiosity is what keeps us inspired. Take that same thirst for knowledge and apply it to whatever you’re passionate about.”

Among those graduating were Quinn Rumler and Kelsey Gunvalson from the Law School. Rumler was diagnosed with Type II Hodgkin’s lymphoma in September 2023 but returned to complete his studies after taking a semester off with support from peers and faculty.

“It would’ve been very difficult without that help,” said Rumler. He achieved straight As upon returning while undergoing chemotherapy. Now in remission, both he and Gunvalson are job hunting with their new law degrees.

“The hardest part is already over, and finishing school feels easy compared to the treatment,” added Rumler.

Student speaker Sawyer Getschman was among 1,545 bachelor’s degree recipients this semester. An additional 373 students earned master’s degrees while 116 received doctoral degrees. Getschman reflected on her decision not to leave UW–Madison despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A hundred little reasons made me stay, but the main one was the people,” she said.

Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin addressed more than 7,500 attendees at commencement highlighting “the incredible variety of people” encountered by students during their time in Madison.

“And when you worked together...you likely found that you sometimes came at [assignments] from different angles...but somehow you combined to make your project a spectacular success,” Mnookin stated.

She encouraged graduates entering new phases in life: “You are ready...prepared not only by your academic experiences here but also by your many engagements with our community."