A sea of caps and gowns will fill Greensboro’s First Horizon Coliseum as Spartans and their families raise their voices to the rafters in a cheer for the Class of 2025.
The festive spirit rolls out early at UNC Greensboro as it recognizes excellence in class work, field work, research, internship hours, dissertation defenses, and community engagement of 1,488 undergraduates, 321 master’s students, and 145 doctoral students.
All that curiosity and excitement on their first day—and more than a bit of anxiety—has paid off. Each one brought their can-do attitude and desire to elevate their families and communities. Many of them combined “student” with another title, such as parent, part-time or full-time worker, first-generation, veteran, or transfer. All will leave with a new title: alumni.
On Dec. 11, the doctoral hooding ceremony will be held at UNCG Auditorium, with baccalaureate and master’s degrees conferred at the Commencement ceremony at First Horizon Coliseum on Dec. 12.
Who You’ll See on Stage
The Commencement speaker is Juan Lopez Delapaz ’24 M.A., who returned to the Bryan School of Business and Economics for another degree in information science and management.
In a Bryan Business Report profile, Lopez Delapaz described himself as the shy, quiet kid in high school. But with the help of faculty, staff, student groups, and scholarships, he flourished, actively supporting students through various organizations. He served as a student ambassador, Spartan Guide, and treasurer for UNCG’s chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America. He already has a job lined up with Bank of America.
“The professors have helped me a lot,” Lopez Delapaz told the Business Report. “They’re just genuine people who want me to learn and want me to do well. Being in this environment has really helped me prepare for the world.”
Kat Reyes, honored as Homecoming royalty this fall, will lead the turning of the tassels. She will bring the same signature energy she harnessed to welcome new students as an orientation leader. Reyes grew up in Chapel Hill and was inspired by her high school athletic trainer to pursue a bachelor of science in kinesiology. She plans to stay and pursue her master’s degree.
The doctoral students will hear inspiring words from Joshua Goodman ’05 ’08 Ph.D. The double alumnus of the School of Education is vice president of research and exam programs for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
UNCG will confer an honorary degree on Elvira Green. She has more than 40 years of experience in opera, many of them as a mezzo-soprano at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Her credits include the European Tour of George Gershwin’s masterpiece “Porgy and Bess.” She provides opportunities for other performers through her membership on several boards, including The Greensboro Opera.
Snapshots of our Grads
Commencement will be a family affair for Ashanti Evans. She came to UNCG as a first-generation student with the hopes and dreams of her parents behind her. She stayed true to her goals and utilized UNCG resources to secure internships and expand her professional network. Now she’ll return to her hometown as a marketing analyst for Reynolds American. It’s the same company her grandfather served as a truck driver his whole life.
“When I cross that stage, it won’t be my degree; it’s our degree,” Evans says. “UNCG set me up for success, and I can’t wait to come back and help provide opportunities for students like the ones I found here.”
Koen Roberson is already making a difference in Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc. The organization promoted him to events manager, a triumphant step since he first joined their team in a part-time position while studying for his degree in geography, Geographic Information Science, and urban planning. The Louisiana native turned down a full ride that would have taken him back to his home state. He is grateful that he chose UNCG instead.
“Something about [UNCG] just spoke to me,” says Roberson. “I saw myself going here and being happy. So, I chose UNCG, and I loved every second of it.”
No doubt, when all the graduates depart to celebrate with their friends and families, the parting praise of Chancellor Gilliam will echo in their heads, assuring them that the future is bright and that no matter where they go, everyone from UNCG will feel like family.
Congratulations, Spartans!
Story by Janet Imrick, University Communications
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications
CELEBRATE OUR GRADS!
Graduates and their families are encouraged to share their accomplishments on social media by tagging the University accounts and using the hashtag #UNCGGrad. Visit UNCG’s digital swag page for Commencement-themed graphics and templates.
Mention @UNCG in celebratory posts on Instagram and X and @uncgreensboro on TikTok.
