Amid the cheers of over 30,000 families and friends, Auburn’s class of 2025 gathered at Neville Arena over the weekend to celebrate the largest commencement ceremonies in the university’s history. Presided over by President Christopher B. Roberts, the university awarded 5,368 total degrees, including more than 4,200 undergraduates who earned bachelor’s degrees.

Distinguished speakers, including veteran journalist Eric Ludgood, CEO Tara Wilson and IPB University president Dr. Tridoyo Kusumastanto, each emphasized the importance of embracing challenges, being bold and living the Auburn Creed as graduates prepare to transition to their next chapters and step into an ever-changing and challenging world.

Celebrating their years of hard work and perseverance, the university kicked off commencement weekend with the Graduate School ceremony on Friday, May 9, followed by five ceremonies on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, before concluding with ceremonies for the professional schools on Monday, May 12.

Offering words of wisdom and encouragement during the Saturday afternoon and evening ceremonies, 1997 Harbert College of Business alumna Tara Wilson, CEO of the Tara Wilson Agency, urged graduates to view setbacks not as failures, but as defining moments and opportunities to be daring.

“When you’re just starting out, you’ll encounter all sorts of new experiences – some you aren’t even anticipating,” Wilson said. “You might face temporary setbacks or disappointments. You may be required to do work you think is beneath you or that you just don’t enjoy. That’s okay. Do it anyway. Nothing is wasted. You’ll learn from all experiences. As the Auburn Creed says, ‘I believe in work, hard work.”

Reflecting on the transformative impact of her time at Auburn, poultry science graduate Ka'Shiya McKinney expressed gratitude for the many defining moments that prepared her for the future. “Because of the connections I’ve made on campus, the unwavering support of the Auburn family, and the freedom my degree has given me to explore my options, I feel truly prepared to take the next step,” McKinney said. “More than anything, Auburn has shaped me into a confident, compassionate and resilient woman.”

Echoing Wilson’s sentiments, award-winning journalist and 1978 alumnus Eric Ludgood reflected on his career as an investigative reporter and producer during the Sunday ceremonies for the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and the College of Liberal Arts. Highlighting moments when his compassion for others surpassed his professional duties, Ludgood reflected on the experiences that ultimately shaped him into a better journalist and person.

Encouraging the graduates to follow in his footsteps by contemplating their future selves, Ludgood emphasized the importance of serving others over material success and urged the graduates to stand for something meaningful, offering them three key questions to consider.

“In 25 years, what will people say about you?” he asked the graduates. “What will you stand for? Will it be the children in your community? Will you fight to help folks who have not been as blessed as you or will your sole focus be the quest for more and more business and professional success? At some point in your career, definitely in your life, you will face a choice. It may come out of the blue, and your character will be tested. In what direction will you choose? Will you stand or be silent?”

Ludgood’s words resonated with graduates like history graduate Abigail Stephenson and aviation management graduate Christian Reaume, both of whom walked in Sunday’s ceremony. Reflecting on their own Auburn journeys, the honors graduates shared how their experiences fueled their personal growth and strengthened their commitment to the Auburn Creed.

“Four years ago, I was walking down the concourse in a mask, balancing new organization meetings and classes, adjusting to living on campus and meeting new faces several times a day,” Stephenson said.

“Today, as I walk over those same bricks, they now tell the stories of how Auburn has molded me into the person I am. Through years of classes, leadership roles, work experiences and lasting relationships, I am excited to carry the Auburn spirit into my next chapter. Auburn didn’t just give me an education—it gave me a foundation, a network and the confidence to chase what’s next.”
~ Eric Ludgood

Reaume, who will start his role as a commercial strategy analyst for Delta Airlines this summer, reflected on his academic experiences and Ludgood’s message that true success is defined by upholding the steadfast values instilled during their time at Auburn.

“I feel prepared for my next steps because of the relentless drive that the faculty and staff at Auburn have for equipping all students with the skills, knowledge and heart for the work that they plan to do — values that are integral to the success of everyone,” Reaume said. “I’m confident that I’m not just prepared but have the knowledge and skills to go exceptionally far in life and I have Auburn to thank for that”.

A highlight of the weekend included the presentation of the university’s 162nd honorary degree to celebrated military leader and former Auburn administrator Retired Lieutenant General Ronald L. Burgess Jr.

The weekend concluded on Monday, with commencement ceremonies for the professional schools that featured remarks from renowned pharmacy educator Dr. Lucinda Maine and prominent veterinary leader Dr. Frank Vice.

Recordings of Auburn University’s Spring Commencement Ceremonies, along with photos from the weekend, are available on the Commencement website.

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