FAYETTE, IOWA (April 30, 2026) — Upper Iowa University (UIU) is proud to announce Jeanie Vaudt, District Court Judge for Iowa's 5C Judicial District in Polk County, Iowa, will deliver the keynote address during the University's 2026 commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 9.
A 1976 UIU graduate, Judge Vaudt has built a distinguished legal career spanning more than three decades in public service and the judiciary. Appointed to the bench in 2014, she previously served as an Assistant Attorney General with the Iowa Department of Justice following roles as a litigation associate with the Davis Brown Law Firm and as a law clerk to Iowa Supreme Court Justice Louis A Lavorato. She earned her Master's degree in Public Administration from Drake University and graduated with honors from Drake University Law School, where she served on the Drake Law Review. Judge Vaudt is an active member of the Polk County and Iowa State Bar Associations, participates in the Jack Levin Inn of Court and the C Edwin Moore Inn of Court (where she is a past president), and currently serves as president of the Iowa Judges Association.
Approximately 350 UIU students from all UIU locations will be recognized for earning their degrees during the commencement ceremonies at Harms-Eischeid Stadium in Fayette, Iowa. Graduates and undergraduates from the Department of Accounting, Agricultural Business and Finance, Department of Business, Management, and Marketing, Department of Science and Mathematics, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Healthcare Administration will be celebrated at the 10AM ceremony.
Graduates and undergraduates from the Andres Department of Education, Department of Humanities and Social Science, Department of Psychology and Human Services, Master of Arts in Psychology, Master of Education, Master of Public Administration, Master of Science in Counseling, and Second Chance graduates and undergraduates will be celebrated at the 1:30PM ceremony.
In the event of inclement weather, an announcement will be posted on the UIU homepage that the ceremonies have been moved to Dorman Gymnasium at the Fayette Campus. All seating is on a first-come basis. An overflow viewing area will be located in the Student Center ballrooms. Guests at this location can view the full ceremonies on live video. Livestreaming of the broadcast may also be viewed on the day of commencement at uiu.edu. For the most current details, visit uiu.edu/commencement.
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, non-profit institution dedicated to offering undergraduate- and graduate-degree programs to approximately 5,700 students, both nationally and internationally. Located in Fayette, Iowa, the university extends its reach beyond its main campus to educational centers across the US, demonstrating its role as a recognized innovator in providing accredited, affordable, and quality academic programs. Upper Iowa University prides itself on its flexible, multiple-delivery systems, which include online and self-paced degree options, catering to the varied needs of its student body.
With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, Upper Iowa University is committed to empowering students by providing an inclusive, supportive learning environment. Here, diverse perspectives are valued, and academic excellence is not just a goal but a standard. This approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions.
