Eastern Mennonite University awarded 320 degrees at its 107th Commencement on Sunday, May 4. The total included 188 undergraduate degrees, 70 master’s degrees, and 62 graduate certificates. The 316 members of the graduating class hail from 26 states, Washington, D.C, and nine countries.
An estimated 3,000 people attended the ceremony to celebrate the graduates.
View the 2025 Commencement photo gallery!
The Rev. Dr. Lesley Francisco McClendon, senior pastor of C3 Hampton and adjunct instructor at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, delivered the Commencement address. She encouraged graduates to live into the instruction of Micah 6:8, the guiding verse foundational to EMU’s mission: “What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?” As they leave campus, McClendon urged them to carry that call into a lifelong journey of discovery in the world.
McClendon also serves as a member of the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board and as an instructor at Duke Divinity School. She is the founder of Herstoric Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to empowering leaders of all backgrounds to discover their voice, lead with confidence, and leave a lasting impact.
“The world doesn’t just need more professionals, it needs more compassionate, just, and humble leaders. And I have no doubt that’s exactly who you are,” she told graduates. “You are ambassadors of hope, agents of change, and bearers of light in a world that desperately needs it.”
Undergraduates Jason Dwyer and Adesola Johnson and MA graduate Getachew Temare presented the graduate perspectives.
For a longer summary of the Commencement address and the graduate perspectives, visit the post below.
EMU President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman presided over the ceremony—her final commencement as university president before retiring later this year.
Watch a video recording of Commencement here.
Cords of Distinction
Ten graduating EMU seniors were honored as Cords of Distinction recipients in a ceremony on Tuesday, April 29, at Martin Chapel. The award recognizes graduating seniors who have made outstanding contributions to the university, community, and society over the course of their college careers.
Senior Celebration
Members of the Class of 2025 gathered for Senior Celebration on Thursday, May 1, at the EMU Discipleship Center. The graduating seniors shared a meal, socialized, played games, snapped a group photo, and received an inspiring message from EMU President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman. “Since I announced my retirement earlier this year, I’m really glad to be graduating with the Class of 2025,” she told them.
Reflecting on the seismic changes and challenges from 2021 to 2025, she praised the graduates for showing “a lot of resolve, a lot of resilience, and a lot of adaptability—those qualities will serve you well wherever you go, through thick and thin.”
Lavender Graduation
EMU hosted its fourth annual Lavender Graduation on Friday, May 2, in the Old Common Grounds space (University Commons 177). The event honors LGBTQ+ graduates and alumni and celebrates their unique experiences, achievements, and contributions to the university.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Seventeen new nursing graduates were recognized at a pinning and commissioning ceremony on Saturday, May 3, at Lehman Auditorium. Receiving the nursing pin symbolizes graduates’ completion of their education, their entry into the nursing profession, and their commitment to providing compassionate care.
Donning of the Kente
Tears were shed, laughs were shared, and hugs were held as 38 graduates were honored at EMU’s 10th annual Donning of the Kente Ceremony on Saturday afternoon in the MainStage Theater. The cultural ceremony celebrates graduates who recognize their African and international roots.
Baccalaureate: Graduate Celebration and Sending
Members of the Class of 2025 were honored at the Baccalaureate: Graduate Celebration and Sending service on Saturday evening in Lehman Auditorium. The ceremony included presidential and faculty addresses, senior class salutations, and the presentation of the senior class gift, as well as moments of prayer, music, and poetry from graduates. The service offered graduates an opportunity to pause and reflect on their journey as they prepare their hearts and spirit for what lies ahead.
CJP Celebration of Blessings
The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP) at EMU sent 13 graduates off into the world with words of affirmation and reflection at its annual Celebration of Blessings on Sunday, May 4, in Martin Chapel. CJP faculty and staff members provided words of tribute for each graduate, and three graduates shared how their experiences at CJP transformed them.
Carnival Day
Commencement week kicked off on Monday, April 28, with a full afternoon of fun, food, and festivities. Carnival Day, held at the University Commons parking lot, featured inflatable bouncy houses, a petting zoo, a dunk tank, and sweet treats from Smiley’s Ice Cream, compliments of the President’s Office.
“Today is the first day of finals week, and we wanted to give students an opportunity to relax,” said EMU President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman. “And you know what, this gives me a chance to meet with them and talk with them a little bit.”
Read coverage of Commencement in the Daily News-Record.
EMU at Lancaster will hold its Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m. at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pennsylvania. Stay tuned for a recap of the Lancaster ceremony coming soon!
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