The University of Georgia held its spring undergraduate commencement ceremony on Friday evening, May 9, 2025, at Sanford Stadium in Athens. A crowd of proud families and friends gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating Class of 2025.
The ceremony commenced at 7:30 PM, with graduates arriving earlier to take their places on the field. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and a sense of accomplishment as the students, adorned in their caps and gowns, prepared to mark the culmination of their undergraduate journeys.
This year’s undergraduate commencement address was delivered by Jarryd Wallace, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Georgia and a four-time Paralympian. Wallace, a two-time bronze medalist in sprinting and long jump, shared his inspiring story of overcoming adversity and achieving excellence on the world stage. He encouraged the graduates to embrace challenges, pursue their passions with determination, and make a positive impact on the world.
University of Georgia President Jere Morehead presided over the ceremony, offering words of wisdom and congratulations to the graduating class. He acknowledged their hard work, resilience, and dedication throughout their academic careers and wished them success in their future endeavors.
The ceremony also included the recognition of various honors and achievements earned by the graduating students. Degrees were conferred upon candidates from a wide range of academic disciplines, representing the diverse talents and interests within the Class of 2025.
Despite a forecast that included rain, the ceremony proceeded as planned, with only a few sprinkles during the event. The university had closely monitored the weather and communicated contingency plans to ensure the celebration could take place safely.
The commencement concluded with the traditional turning of the tassels, symbolizing the graduates’ transition from students to alumni. As the fireworks illuminated the night sky over Sanford Stadium, the newly minted graduates celebrated this significant milestone with their loved ones, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
