Convocation
School of MCB Convocation, Spring 2026
The School of MCB May 2026 convocation is at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
Questions about the School of MCB convocation can be sent to convocation@mcb.illinois.edu or by calling 217-333-6774.
Students who have completed degree requirements in August 2025 or December 2025, or will complete degree requirements in May 2026 or August 2026 are eligible to participate in the May 17, 2026 ceremony.
Undergraduate Degree
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
- Bachelor of Science in LAS with major in MCB Honors Concentration
- Bachelor of Science in LAS with major in MCB
- Bachelor of Science in LAS with major in Neuroscience
Master's Degree
- Master of Science from one of the following departments: Biochemistry, Cell & Developmental Biology, Microbiology, Molecular & Integrative Physiology
- Master of Science from one of the following programs: Biophysics & Quantitative Biology or Neuroscience
- Master of Science from the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology
Doctor of Philosophy
- Doctor of Philosophy from one of the following departments: Biochemistry, Cell & Developmental Biology, Microbiology, Molecular & Integrative Physiology
- Doctor of Philosophy from one of the following programs: Biophysics & Quantitative Biology or Neuroscience
GradImages has been contracted by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology to take photos of graduates during the ceremonies. Graduates can order photos by calling the GradImages' Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, visiting www.gradimages.com, or emailing ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
Title
2025 MCB Convocation Speaker
Dr. Padbury has more than 35 years of scientific expertise and leadership in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. He is currently Senior Vice President of Clinical Pharmacology and Translational Sciences for Pfizer’s Oncology Division, where he leads global strategy and operations across pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, biomarkers, and companion diagnostics. Guy joined Pfizer through its 2023 acquisition of Seagen, where he was SVP of Translational Science. Prior to Seagen, he was Chief Development Officer at Scorpion Therapeutics and held senior executive roles including SVP of Preclinical Development at Merck Research Laboratories. Earlier, he led global functions in pharmacokinetics, bioanalytical sciences, and drug metabolism at both Pfizer (2006–08) and Amgen (2008–15). His career also spans influential scientific and managerial positions at Dow Chemical, Upjohn, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Pharmacia, and a previous tenure at Pfizer. Across his career, Guy has contributed to more than 50 successful global drug registrations—from small molecules to biotherapeutics—impacting most major therapeutic areas worldwide. In addition to his corporate leadership, Guy is deeply engaged in advancing science and innovation through board and advisory roles. He currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the University of Illinois, Illinois Ventures, LLC, and the Advisory Board for Illini Angels. He has also served on the NIH General Medical Sciences Advisory Council, the University of Washington School of Pharmacy Corporate Advisory Board, and the Board of Trustees for the Franklin Institute. Guy holds a PhD and MS in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois and a BS in Chemistry from Butler University.
University-Wide Ceremonies
Past MCB Convocations
2025 Convocation
2024
Congratulations to our 2024 graduates!
School of MCB May 2024 Convocation video
The ceremony photographer was GradImages. Graduates can order photos by calling the GradImages' Customer Service Department at 800-261-2576, visiting www.gradimages.com, or emailing ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
2021
2020
- Video of the School of MCB Virtual Convocation from December 19, 2020
- December 2020 Congratulatory Message from Chancellor Robert J. Jones
- Video of the College of LAS Virtual Celebration from December 2020
Hosted by Dean Gene Robinson. The alumni speaker is 1986 Biology graduate, Dr. Julie Morita. We're proud of Dr. Morita for her work as a physician, Executive Vice President of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and a newly named member of President Biden's transition COVID-19 Advisory Board. - Video of the School of MCB Virtual Convocation from Spring 2020
- Video of the university-wide Commencement celebration from Spring 2020
- College of LAS congratulatory video to the class of 2020
Featuring Dean Hu, some of your beloved professors and instructors, and a special musical guest.
Contact
If you have any further questions regarding convocation, including accessibility concerns, please contact SMCB Convocation Coordinator at convocation@mcb.illinois.edu or call (217) 333-6774.