Join the Celebration: Elon University Honors the Class of 2025 This Week!

Elon University is gearing up to honor the Class of 2025 with a series of exciting events leading up to the 135th Commencement. The official graduation ceremonies will take place on Friday, May 23, and are set to be memorable for over 1,400 students.

There will be two ceremonies in the Schar Center. The first begins at 9 a.m. for those from Elon’s colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, and Health Sciences. The second ceremony starts at 2:30 p.m. and is for graduates from the Business and Communications Schools.

Wes Durham, a well-known commentator at ESPN and ACC Network, will be the keynote speaker. Durham, an Elon graduate himself, has a rich history in broadcasting, honed during his time at the university’s student radio station.

“I am proud to be an Elon graduate," he shared. "I hope my words add to the joy of the day for graduates and their families.”

The student voice at this year’s graduation will come from Craig Brandstetter, who was selected to deliver a “Message of Appreciation.” Brandstetter expressed his excitement, noting the experience will be special not just for him, but for his parents as well.

The graduating class is diverse and full of inspiring stories. For instance, Amanda Jacobson and Taylor Capello are among the first to graduate from Elon’s new Nursing program. Their success highlights the university’s commitment to innovative education. Another standout is Jules Levanti, who made history as the first NC Space Grant Undergraduate Research Scholar from Elon, now heading to a prestigious astrophysics program at the University of Texas at Austin.

Interestingly, recent statistics show that first-generation college students face unique challenges, often requiring additional support to thrive in academic environments. At Elon, events like the First Generation Stole Ceremony on May 21 aim to celebrate these achievements and acknowledge the hard work it takes to reach this milestone.

Elon’s Commencement Week begins on May 9 with a Lavender Graduation and Awards Ceremony, celebrating LGBTQIA+ graduates. The week includes various events such as the Numen Lumen baccalaureate reflection and different cultural ceremonies, ensuring all graduates feel recognized.

The graduate-level Commencement will be held on May 21 in Alumni Gym, where Kevin Trapani, an executive in residence at the Business School, will also speak.

Overall, Elon University’s approach to graduation reflects the vibrant community it nurtures, highlighting individual achievements while fostering a sense of belonging. For more details on the Commencement ceremonies, interested individuals can visit the official Elon Commencement website.

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