Friday Commencement Ceremonies Celebrate CofC Class of 2025
Two commencement ceremonies were held at the College of Charleston on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Graduates from the College of Charleston School of Humanities and Social Sciences; School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs; School of Education; School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics; School of Health Sciences; and School of Natural and Environmental Sciences gathered under the stately oaks of the Cistern Yard at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, to celebrate the conclusion of their undergraduate journey at CofC.
Graduates of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs were celebrated at the morning ceremony, where Cynthia and Ronald Thompson, founding supporters of the 1967 Legacy Program, received honorary degrees and spoke to graduates about their roles in contributing to the needs of society.
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Suzanne Austin presented 10 students with Artium Baccalaureatus degrees and acknowledged the 153 students graduating this weekend who have completed the Honors College requirements.
Alicia Caudill, executive vice president of student affairs, introduced Adeline Ríos as a recipient of the Presidential Award for Scholarship, Leadership, and Service, the highest honor a graduating undergraduate student can achieve at the College of Charleston. Ríos graduated from the Honors College with a B.A. in international studies, political science and Spanish, and encouraged classmates to be resilient in times of uncertainty.
At the afternoon ceremony, graduates from the College of Charleston School of Education; School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics; School of Health Sciences; and School of Natural and Environmental Sciences were celebrated.
Demetria Noisette Clemons ’75, trustee emerita, received an honorary degree and urged graduates to be beacons of light.
“There are 620 beacons of light on this cistern,” she said. “Just imagine the impact you will have as you transition to the next level. Our college, city, state, country and our world needs your light – your uniqueness, drive and determination.”
Clemons concluded her speech by urging graduates to write a thank-you note to a grandparent, parent, faculty member or mentor: “Spell out the words – no text slang like IYKYK. Just be sure to give thanks.”
Austin presented four students with Artium Baccalaureatus degrees and acknowledged the 153 students graduating this weekend who have completed the Honors College requirements.
Caudill introduced Jacquelin Miller as a recipient of the Presidential Award for Scholarship, Leadership, and Service. Miller, who graduated with a B.S. in astrophysics and biochemistry and a B.A. in women and gender studies, and encouraged classmates to “never dim your authentic selves.”
On behalf of the more than 103,000 members of the Alumni Association, Laurie Minges ’83, Alumni Association president, welcomed the Class of 2025 as the association’s newest members.
