To provide graduating MIS students with more individual recognition than is possible at the SJSU Commencement or the CoB ceremony, the MIS Department hosts its own graduation convocation each spring. The university-wide ceremony ("Commencement"), 2+ hours in length, is held in the Spartan Stadium and, though impressive, its scale prohibits any individualized recognition other than names listed in the program. Students stand in place together briefly on the field when the dean announces their concentration by name. The college-wide ceremony, also around 2 hours in length, does provide students the chance to walk briefly across the stage while their name is read, and they shake hands with the dean and other faculty. There are typically a several hundred students involved from all business concentrations.

The MIS ceremony is much smaller and more intimate, typically involving around 40-60 graduates and lasts about an hour. Each student is announced individually as they walk across the stage, congratulated by the dean, the department chair and the faculty and then has a chance to speak briefly at the microphone to say a few words to family and friends in the audience. The keynote address is given by a former MIS student who is being recognized by the department for Distinguished Career Achievement and the department presents awards to top MIS students for academic excellence and exemplary spirit. The department also recognizes the MIS honors students and the MIS student association officers as well. Typically, the ceremony is held on campus in the afternoon, following the University Commencement in the morning, so that students and their families may participate in both if desired. An elegant reception with light refreshments follows the ceremony. The MIS ceremony includes flowers, decorations, music, gifts for the graduates and is a memorable experience that the MIS Department is proud to provide for its graduates.

MIS Annual Graduation Ceremony 2013:

• Date: Saturday, May 25, 2013 (following the University Commencement)
• Location: 
  
  • 2:30pm - Ceremony- Music Concert Hall
  • 3:30pm - Reception (Light Refreshments) - 7th Street Plaza
• Event Tickets:  https://commerce.cashnet.com/SJSUMIS
• Distinguished MIS Alumni Speaker: Mr. Kevin Soohoo

Mr. Kevin Soohoo Director, Information Technology The MIS department is very proud of Kevin. His accomplishments alone are truly deserving of the distinguished alumni award but in addition he has been reaching out to our department and our students in a number of key ways to enrich the program and experience for some time now, "paying it forward" to the next generation of MIS leadership and success. He is an inspiring role model for us all                               - Timothy R. Hill                    MIS Department Chair

Profile: Mr. Kevin Soohoo is Air Systems' Director of Information Technology. Since joining Air Systems in 2006 as the Head of IT Mr. Soohoo has been responsible for promoting the company's tactical and strategic objectives through the application of technology and process improvement initiatives. With over 15 years of experience in information technology and prior to joining Air Systems, Mr. Soohoo held a number of progressive IT management roles at Volex Inc, a global manufacturing company, serving as a local then regional IT Manager, overseeing sites in the US, Canada and Mexico, as well as Global Infrastructure Manager managing numerous sites across North America, EMEA and APAC regions which included being a part of the Corporate IT steering committee. As of 2011, Mr. Soohoo has expanded his role beyond IT into Business Development, helping set and execute strategy in increasing awareness and brand visibility for Air Systems Energy Solutions. Within this capacity Mr. Soohoo is developing strategic relationship with complementary partners, municipal and utility organizations, as well as customers in order to increase awareness for "Green" solutions. Mr. Soohoo holds a master's degree in information systems management from the University of San Francisco and a bachelor's degree in Business/MIS from San Jose State University. Additionally, Mr. Soohoo is a member of several advisory boards including Mobic Bikes, a locally owned folding bike manufacturer, ConstrucTech Magazine, a Construction Technology based publication, and Connected World Magazine, a IT Executive based publication. Mr Soohoo is also a Board Member and Golf Charity Event organizer for the CIO Scholarship Fund (501c3). Lastly, Mr. Soohoo is a contributing author to Wiley & Sons "Chief Information Officer's Book of Knowledge: People, Process and Technology" and is a member of several distinguished IT Executive communities including the Office of the CIO (OCIO) and Consortium of Information Systems Executives (CISE)

 

What makes our department convocation the one to attend?

• It is a more intimate setting in which each graduate's name is called as they cross the stage & share a few words with their guests.

• There will be a reception, prior to the ceremony, in which your invited guests can enjoy some light refreshments.

• A photographer will be present to capture these special moments. Photos will be posted for graduates to download free of charge.

• Most of the MIS Faculty will be in attendance to help congratulate you and share in your great achievement.

Do you qualify to participate?

• You graduated in fall 2012 or have applied to graduate in spring, summer or fall 2013 AND

• You have 6 or less units left to complete your degree after spring semester

FAQ

• Do graduates get to speak? Graduates have an option to address guests @ podium (30 second limit)

• Who is eligible to participate? MIS seniors who officially graduated in the previous summer or fall OR will graduate in the spring, summer or fall semesters AND have no more than six (6) units remaining for graduation.

• Why do students have to buy tickets? Ticket sales cover most costs including the catering, flowers, service staff and decorations. We try to make the event as impressive as we can, but we are frugal. The remainder of the budget is contributed by the MIS student association (MISA) and what the department can save from other parts of the annual operating budget.

• Where/how do I get tickets? Please visit https://commerce.cashnet.com/SJSUMIS by May 13th to purchase your tickets.

• Do children need tickets? Children 6 and over must have a ticket.

• What am I supposed to wear to the ceremony? The ceremony is casual, but please dress appropriately. Graduates should wear graduation regalia (cap & gown). For your regalia, please contact Spartan Bookstore.