Traditions and family gatherings permeate our culture as the holiday season brings each year to a close, but for 1,954 UNC Greensboro Class of 2025 graduates, families gathered early to celebrate life-changing accomplishments.
At UNCG, Commencement is truly a family affair. Proud parents watch their children reach a goal they’ve been dreaming of since they were born. Children beam with excitement as they witness a parent or family member walk across the stage to get their diploma. Friends who have become chosen family line up in gowns with vibrant stoles and decorated caps to take the last steps of their college journeys. And faculty and staff mentors toast the fruits of their labor as they send a new group of Spartan alumni out into the world to make it better.
Shouldering the Responsibility of Knowledge
On Thursday, UNCG’s highest level of mentors, the doctoral advisors, hooded a new group of Spartan academic doctors in a personal ceremony at the UNCG Auditorium. The smiles and hugs between the advisors and Ph.D. candidates held a culmination of questions, research, and breakthroughs. In the gallery, family members of all ages absorbed the magnitude of their loved ones’ achievements.
Doctoral letters of science, education, and the arts were bestowed, as well as an honorary Doctor of Letters degree to mezzo-soprano Elvira Green. Her talents have taken her to New York City’s Metropolitan Opera, performances in every continent, the University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas to design a vocal studies program, and now back to her native state of North Carolina. Her career highlights brought to mind all the places that UNCG’s doctoral candidates will take their knowledge.
Speaker Joshua Goodman ’05 ’08 Ph.D. spoke of his own hooding as “deeply meaningful,” and remembered the weight of it on his shoulders representing “years of mentorship, challenge, and growth.” He welcomed the candidates into the familial ranks of UNCG alumni as “stewards of the values and vision of the institution.”
“You are ambassadors of UNCG’s commitment to equity, innovation, discovery and transformative learning. Go forward boldly, carrying with you the knowledge and passion needed to make a better future.”
– Joshua Goodman ’05 ’08 Ph.D.
Bold Steps to a Bright Future
At the larger ceremony in the First Horizon Coliseum on Friday, families and supporters were even more vocal in their support of the undergraduate and master’s candidates. Presenting flowers, boldly wearing blue and gold, and waving excitedly, friends and relatives scanned the rows of chairs on the floor looking for their loved ones seated in caps and gowns.
This year’s student speaker, Juan Lopez Delapaz ’24 ’25 M.S. represented the 1,488 undergraduates and 321 master’s candidates receiving diplomas. He also spoke for the many first-generation and Hispanic students in attendance when he began his remarks with a message of gratefulness to his parents. The audience responded with fervent applause to his Spanish declaration.
“Mami y Papi, si se pudo.”
– Juan Lopez Delapaz ’24 ’25 M.S
A product of the Bryan School’s master’s program in information technology and management, Delapaz pledged that his “growth would never stop” as he continues his career as a proud UNCG double alumnus.
This mindset promises to bring a dedicated group of future teammates to N.C. employers, according to remarks from Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. He reminded the graduates that employers love UNCG alumni because they are ready to work.
“We are contributing to the prosperity of this state,” he said. “I hope you intend to leave footsteps in your communities and families for others to follow. Become that ladder of prosperity!”
Spartan Family Strong
The emotions present throughout Commencement activities remind our community of the importance of family support and the diligence of the students who join the ranks of Spartan alumni when they cross the stage to receive their diplomas. It’s why UNCG faculty and staff are committed to the University, and why N.C. employers and communities thrive with Spartan alumni at their helms.
“My parents came to this country with hopes of giving my siblings and me better opportunities,” Lopez Delapaz said, “And today, this moment, is a testament to their sacrifice.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2025, as they go forth to make the world a better place and bring their families prosperity in the process.
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Photos by Sean Norona, University Communications.
Videography by David Row, University Communications.
