The North Carolina State University Commencement took place on Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium. Graduates gathered to celebrate this important milestone.
Harry Sideris, the CEO of Duke Energy and an alumnus of NC State, delivered the keynote address. Tonya Henderson Gatling, who recently earned her bachelor’s degree in leadership, shared her journey as the student speaker.
Chancellor Kevin Howell kicked off the event, proudly stating, “NC State is a vital part of North Carolina’s economy and is committed to uplifting the lives of all our citizens.”
The ceremony began with awards, including the Board of Governor’s Teaching Excellence Award, presented to Dr. Katie Sheats from the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Sideris offered inspiring words to the graduates. “Don’t worry if you haven’t found your passion yet,” he said. “Embrace the uncomfortable.” His advice was to take chances and not shy away from challenges. “You’ve learned how to tackle tough problems and collaborate with diverse teams,” he added. His challenge to graduates was clear: “Seek out your ‘Hurricane Fran.’ Take on roles that stretch you. Make connections.”
Dr. Chen recognized honor students for their hard work as various deans celebrated their graduates from different colleges.
Tonya Henderson Gatling reflected on returning to college after a 32-year break. “At 19, I struggled to answer the question: What will I do for the rest of my life?” she shared. “I thought my inability to answer it meant failure.” But she learned that stepping away didn’t end her education; it reshaped it. “Life became my classroom,” she said.
She encouraged her fellow graduates with three key insights: knowledge is a process, don’t be discouraged by where you are now, and it’s never too late to improve. Her journey serves as a reminder that persistence and adaptability are vital for success.
This year, NC State saw over 4,000 students graduate, a significant achievement as educational attainment in the state continues to rise. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 30% of North Carolinians held a bachelor’s degree in 2021, up from just 19% in 2000. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the importance of higher education in driving individual and economic growth.
As graduates move forward, their unique experiences and skills will contribute to an ever-evolving job market. Embracing change and learning continuously will be crucial as they navigate their futures.
