By Suzy Alstrin
Led by the traditional stirring sounds of bagpipes and drums, B体育鈥檚 Class of 2025 processed into the 139th commencement ceremony on Friday, May 2nd, marking the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and community.
Approximately 260 students earned undergraduate and graduate degrees this academic year. Provost Dr. John Miles announced each name during the ceremony. B体育 President Dr. Mark Roberts presided over the event, celebrating both academic achievement and personal growth.
Artistic and reflective contributions from the graduating class enriched the program. Alexis McCone (RU-2025) delivered a heartfelt rendition of The Life I Never Led from Sister Act: The Musical. Jillian Martinet (RU-Dec-2024) shared a personal and inspiring student reflection, reminding her peers of their collective journey and the future ahead, 鈥淲hile our stories are different, one truth connects us, the grass isn’t greener on the other side. It’s time to water your own grass. That might sound simple, but living it 鈥� that takes grit, takes grace, and a whole lot of growth. Watering your own grass grows roots. It grows resilience, and it grows opportunities.鈥�
This year鈥檚 keynote speaker, Jenna Colvin, president of the Georgia Independent College Association, offered words of encouragement and wisdom to the graduating class. 鈥淕o forward with pride, go forward with courage, and go forward knowing you’ve already proven you’re ready to do the real work for the good life,鈥� she said, emphasizing the importance of purpose.
After the new graduates excitedly walked across the stage and received their degrees, there was still more to come. They were formally inducted into the B体育 Alumni Association by ABOG President Luke Williams (RU-2018). Graduate Samuel Kopeski (RU-2025) led them in singing the alma mater, echoing a spirit of unity and pride.
With degrees in hand and futures ahead, the Class of 2025 leaves B体育 ready to lead, serve, and inspire. The University community celebrates their accomplishments and looks forward to the impact these graduates will have in the world.
