Cheers and applause filled Neville Arena on Saturday, Dec. 13, as Auburn celebrated its Fall 2025 graduating class during the university’s three commencement ceremonies that honored nearly 2,000 graduates and the families who supported them along the way.

President Christopher B. Roberts presided over the ceremonies alongside President Pro Tempore Jimmy Sanford and Provost Vini Nathan, while thousands more friends and family members joined the celebration via livestream.

“Since Auburn’s founding in 1856, more than 338,000 graduates have earned degrees from our institution, each adding a unique chapter to our story grounded in knowledge, hard work and the human touch,” Roberts said. “Today, we celebrate 1,998 new degree recipients who join that distinguished group. Behind that number are individual journeys shaped by determination and a belief in something greater than themselves.”

That sense of purpose carried into the commencement address delivered by Trustee Emerita and 1974 alumna Sarah Newton. Drawing on decades of leadership in education and her lifelong connection to Auburn, Newton encouraged graduates to approach their futures with curiosity, resilience and intention. Stressing the importance of remaining a lifelong learner, finding meaning and growth in challenges and living a life that balances integrity, kindness and truth, Newton urged graduates to stay open to learning and remain grounded in their values and confident as they navigate their next steps.

“When I graduated, many of the jobs that exist today did not,” Newton said. “Those who keep learning and stay open to change will thrive. I challenge you to keep learning far beyond your formal education.”

Newton also reflected on the importance of responding to challenges with intention, sharing how personal experiences inspired her work to help launch Auburn’s nationally recognized Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success, or EAGLES, program. Now in its seventh year, the program expands educational and employment opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities. “Pain, disappointment and failure are part of life,” Newton added. “It’s how you respond that shapes your future.”

Newton’s emphasis on growth, adaptability and learning beyond the classroom resonated with many of the graduates who had already experienced those lessons firsthand, including Gabby Campos, a senior from Trussville, Alabama. Campos earned a degree in exercise science from the College of Education and plans to further her education by attending nursing school next year.

“Hearing her talk about lifelong learning and turning challenges into purpose felt very real,” Campos said. “Auburn taught me that it’s okay to ask questions and to ask for help. That mindset gave me confidence moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.”

The ceremonies recognized more than 1,500 undergraduate degree recipients across 10 colleges, along with nearly 500 graduate students earning doctoral, master’s and education specialist degrees. Graduate students were honored during a dedicated ceremony highlighting Auburn’s continued growth in research, scholarship and creative work.

Academic excellence was further recognized through the selection of student marshals, chosen by each college for their scholarly achievement, leadership and service. Among those honored was Kyla Hampson, who represented the College of Liberal Arts as its student marshal.

Originally from Dawsonville, Georgia, Hampson graduated with dual degrees in professional flight and music instrumental performance. In addition to her leadership with the Aviation Student Advisory Board and involvement in organizations such as the Ninety-Nines, Women in Aviation and the Eta Mu Sigma National Honor Society, Hampson was a longtime member of the Auburn University Marching Band, where she served as a tuba section leader in 2022 and as a drum major for three seasons. Together, those experiences reflected the preparation and commitment to learning that Newton encouraged graduates to carry forward.

“Both aviation and music demand constant preparation and attention to detail,” Hampson said. “Whether I was training for a flight or leading the marching band, I learned how important it is to stay prepared, keep learning and take responsibility for the people counting on you. That mindset is something I’ll carry with me well beyond Auburn.”

As the ceremonies closed, Auburn’s newest alumni joined more than 250,000 living alumni, connected by their shared experiences, values and the Auburn Creed.

Videos from the ceremonies are available on the commencement website.

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