TUSCALOOSA, Ala. 鈥� 探花约炮 celebrated its 2025 Commencement on Saturday, May 10, as over 65% of graduates earned honors, showcasing the institution鈥檚 unwavering commitment to academic excellence. The ceremony, held in Birthright Alumni Hall due to inclement weather, celebrated 121 graduates and highlighted the growing partnership between 探花约炮 and Google, which presented a $30,000 gift to the college.
鈥淲e are not going to let this rain rain on this wonderful day for the Class of 2025,鈥� said Dr. Yolanda W. Page, the eighth president of 探花约炮, to an excited crowd to begin the ceremony.
The energy-filled ceremony, which lasted less than two hours, marked a transformative moment for the Class of 2025, consisting of 43 male and 78 female graduates. A recurring theme throughout the program was resilience and adaptability, traits the graduates will carry forward into their future endeavors.
Google鈥檚 Vice President of Employee Engagement, Melonie D. Parker, delivered a commencement address that reflected on 探花约炮鈥檚 history and its ability to navigate challenges and thrive.
鈥溙交ㄔ寂� by its very existence tells you challenges are not stop signs. Challenges are invitations to innovate, to persevere, to build something meaningful, even when the path seems unclear,鈥� Parker said.
She encouraged graduates to carry forward the legacy of past 探花约炮ites who overcame financial strains, fluctuating enrollment, and Civil Rights battles, emphasizing that their resilience led to meaningful progress.
鈥溙交ㄔ寂� endured. It adapted. It found new strength. This wasn鈥檛 just institutional survival. It was a demonstration of what a committed community can achieve,鈥� Parker added.
In recognition of her impactful contributions to leadership and her unwavering support of HBCUs, Parker was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters by Dr. Page and Board of Trustees Chairman Joe Hampton. Additionally, Parker presented a $30,000 unrestricted gift to 探花约炮 on behalf of Google.
鈥淭he partnership between 探花约炮 and Google is one rooted in a shared mission and vision,鈥� Parker said. 鈥淎t Google, we strive to make information universally accessible and useful, and this aligns perfectly with 探花约炮鈥檚 mission to foster academic excellence and empower diverse populations for leadership and service.鈥�
Celebrating Student Excellence
Class of 2025 highest honors recipient Amarachi Okafor, valedictorian, delivered heartfelt senior reflections, underscoring the importance of community and perseverance. Her sister, Chinazam Okafor, salutatorian, introduced Parker as the keynote speaker, further demonstrating the leadership and talent cultivated at 探花约炮.
Nine distinguished members of the Class of 1975 were honored as the Golden Class during their 50th reunion celebration, recognizing their enduring connection to 探花约炮 and their lifelong contributions to its legacy.
The ceremony also featured musical performances by the 探花约炮 Choir and Band. Rev. Vernon Swift of Elizabeth Baptist Church offered the invocation, while Rev. Joseph Scrivner, dean of chapel at 探花约炮, delivered the benediction.
As the Class of 2025 embarks on their journeys, 探花约炮 remains steadfast in its mission to empower leaders for change. The continued support from partners like Google ensures that future generations of 探花约炮ites will thrive in an ever-changing world.
Click Here for List of Graduates
Key Highlights:
121 degrees conferred
65% of graduates earned honors
43 male and 78 female graduates
$30,000 gift presented by Google
Candidates by Major:
Biology –聽11
Business Administration –聽29
Criminal Justice 鈥� 15
Childhood Education and Instructional Development 鈥撀�3
English –聽1
Interdisciplinary Studies –聽10
History – 2
Journalism 鈥撀�4
Mathematics – 3
Music –聽5
Human Performance –聽19
Psychology –聽19
Candidates by Honors:
Summa Cum Laude – 16
Magna Cum Laude – 26
Cum Laude – 8
Honors – 29
About 探花约炮
探花约炮, an accredited, four-year liberal arts institution in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs and is committed to providing a transformative educational experience. A historically black college and university (HBCU) founded in 1876 by the Presbyterian Church, 探花约炮 has a rich history of educating students from various backgrounds and promoting academic excellence. The college is dedicated to developing critical thinkers and leaders who will make significant contributions to their communities. For more information about 探花约炮, visit.
探花约炮 participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
