When is graduation? The latest 2025 commencement breakdown across Delaware universities
It's almost time to turn those tassels.
University and college students across the state are getting ready for spring graduation. That takes organization, planning, last-minute cramming and some hopes for good weather. But many in the Classes of 2025 have already made it through the last of pandemic disruption, challenging economies and all the personal challenges that come with being a student — so celebrating them should be a breeze.
Here, we looked to share a few commencement plans lined up for schools in Delaware.
Delaware State University is gearing up to celebrate its 133rd commencement, with just under 1,000 soon-to-be graduates. It all kicks off for undergraduates at 8 a.m., May 9, in Alumni Stadium. Then, the graduate students' ceremony begins at 1 p.m. in DeLauder Theatre.
The university is also celebrating its first-ever associate degree awarded to Early College School graduates. Celebrating its 10th year connected to the HBCU, the Early College School serves 600 students from 7 to 12 grades. Students from across Delaware can earn up to 60 college credits before they even graduate – and more than 67% head straight over to Delaware State.
The Dover institution landed some special guests to help mark the occasion.
For undergrads that's the "Olivia Pope of Silicon Valley," per Delaware State. Jotaka Eaddy, CEO of Full Circle Strategies, advocates for increased diversity and impact in the tech sector and serves as a board adviser to several tech start-up companies, like Maker's Row, Gauge, Tech Dojo and Hustle, Inc.
Looking to the graduate ceremony, Maj. Gen. James Benson – the Delaware National Guard adjutant general – will keynote the afternoon ceremony.
Undergraduate commencement: 8 a.m., May 9 — Alumni Stadium
Graduate commencement: 1 p.m., May 9 — DeLauder Theatre, E.H. Building
Goldey-Beacom's graduation is coming up quickly. By now, graduates should be set for spring commencement, with their tickets, their regalia and even parking passes in April. Guests without tickets are welcome to tune-in via livestream and overflow parking is available at Faith Baptist Church.
Now, this graduating class can just look forward to gathering in their gym, off Limestone Road, to be honored all morning. All the pomp and circumstance lasts from about 10:45 a.m. to noon, on May 9, but graduates must check in before 10 a.m.
The keynote speaker will be E. Thomas Harvey III, a lifelong Wilmington resident who serves as the Chairman & CEO of Harvey Hanna and Associates. Harvey owns and manages several management and real estate property investment companies, encompassing some 3.5 million square feet in buildings.
And bonus: A tradition on the night before, "Caps & Cork," promises a night of celebration and nostalgia with college staff serving as special guest bartenders at Cork & Barrel tavern.
2024-25 Commencement ceremony: 10:45 a.m., May 9 — Joseph West Jones Center Gymnasium
Tickets: Required for in-person ceremony. If you missed GradFest, contact the Registrar's Office (registrar@gbc.edu).
DelTech's spring commencements will not only celebrate graduates from spring 2025 but also those of summer and fall 2024, according to the college. Campus ceremonies will cover the state, with that of Stanton and George Campuses taking place in University of Delaware's Bob Carpenter Center.
And it all happens from May 15 to May 20.
Graduates should lock in their places soon, picking up tickets and Delaware Tech regalia available at various graduation parties until the end of April. Tickets are required for attendance, according to the college. Details on commencement speakers are soon expected.
Stanton/George Campuses: 7 p.m., May 15 — Bob Carpenter Center at the University of DelawareCommencement Speaker: Michael J. Hare, executive vice president for development at The Buccini/Pollin Group and member of the Delaware Tech Board of Trustees
Terry Campus: 6 p.m., May 19 — DoverCommencement Speaker: Col. Joseph Cooke Jr., Delaware National Guard commander
Owens Campus: 6 p.m., May 20 — GeorgetownCommencement Speaker: Patti Grimes, executive director of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, Joshua M. Freeman Foundation and member of the Delaware Tech Board of Trustees
Delaware's largest university will have several commencements and ceremonies across its disciplines, from May 20 through May 24. There are some nine colleges' worth of students to celebrate.
On May 24 will be a universitywide ceremony. Details on various college-based commencement and convocation ceremonies can be found online, including parking. All of these events are ticketed. Ticket reservations opened April 17, and the window to secure those spots closes May 9.
UD rankings: University of Delaware physical therapy ranks No. 1 in graduate programs by US News, again
Matt O'Donnell, a longtime news anchor for 6ABC and a 1994 Blue Hen, is set to deliver this year's commencement address. O'Donnell earned his degree in English/journalism, according to UD, with a minor in political science. He was also news director of WVUD-FM and worked as a reporter for The Review.
The 175th commencement for the University of Delaware is set for 9:30 a.m., with the Class of 2025 expected to fuel an estimated 4,000 graduates, with some 16,000 family and friends packing Delaware Stadium. Parking lots open at 6:30 a.m., gates 7 a.m. Graduates get four guest tickets, as families from across the country and farther will make their way to Newark.
Commencement for the Class of 2025: 9:30 a.m., May 24 — Delaware Stadium
Tickets required: Available online, April 17 to May 9
Virtual options: UDLive
Commencement for these law-school students is right around the corner. And for many, that's a mixed bag.
"Commencement is a time for you to reflect with pride on your accomplishments on completing your legal studies," wrote Dean and Professor of Law Todd Clark to his soon-to-be graduates last year. "For those of you who will soon be taking a bar exam, there is good news and bad news."
The good news is, education at Delaware Law has prepared then for an intense next few months of studying. Naturally then, the bad news is they can't yet relax or party too hard post-graduation.
Commencement will be held at 3 p.m. on May 16, on Widener University's Chester campus under a tent on Memorial Field. Guests do not require tickets, and all seating is first-come, first-served. Regalia is sold at the Widener Bookstore.
"The time to celebrate in earnest will be after that exam!" Clark said.
Delaware Law School Commencement: 3 p.m., May 16 — Memorial Field
WilmU is ready to mark its 54th commencement ceremony.
By the end of May, all graduates should have applied to take part in spring commencement, coming on the first Sunday in June. Four ceremonies stretch from June 1 to June 2, across colleges and degrees. Grads need to arrive an hour early. All guests need tickets to take part in these festivities housed in the Chase Center on the Riverfront.
"On behalf of Wilmington University, we extend our sincere best wishes to the graduates and to all who have supported you in your accomplishments," writes the university online.
53rd Commencement: Chase Center on the Riverfront
Tickets: Required, and graduates should have received an email about the number of tickets available and ticketing procedures.
Ceremonies:
10 a.m., June 1:College of Business, master's and doctoral graduates — Wilmington HallCollege of Health Professions and Natural Sciences, all graduates — Riverfront Ballroom
1 p.m.:College of College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, all graduates — Wilmington HallCollege of Business, associates and bachelor's graduates — Riverfront Ballroom
4 p.m.:College of Education and Liberal Arts, all graduates — Wilmington HallCollege of Technology, associates and bachelor's graduates — Riverfront Ballroom
4 p.m., June 2:College of Technology, master's graduates (last names A-L) — Wilmington HallCollege of Technology, master's graduates (last names M-Z) — Riverfront Ballroom
Got a story? Contact Kelly Powers at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on X @kpowers01.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Class of 2025 commencements set across Delaware colleges, universities
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