UNCG Fall 2025 Commencement

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro turned tassels, shared hugs and celebrated new beginnings as more than 2,000 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students earned their degrees during Fall 2025 Commencement.

The university hosted two ceremonies, beginning with the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony on Wednesday, December 11, in the UNCG Auditorium, followed by the main commencement ceremony on Thursday, December 12, at First Horizon Coliseum, a joyful milestone for graduates and their families.

Doctoral candidates gathered Wednesday evening for words of inspiration from Joshua Goodman ’05 ’08 Ph.D., vice president of research and exam programs for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and a double alumnus of UNCG’s School of Education.

“You are ambassadors of UNCG’s commitment to equity, innovation, discovery and transformative learning,” Goodman told graduates. “Go forward boldly, carrying with you the knowledge and passion needed to help build a better future.”

The baccalaureate commencement address on Thursday was delivered by Juan Lopez Delapaz ’24 ’25 M.S., a proud double Spartan who returned to the Bryan School of Business and Economics to earn a second degree in information science and management. Speaking as a first-generation college graduate, Delapaz opened his remarks with gratitude for his parents and their sacrifices.

“My parents came to this country with hopes of giving my siblings and me better opportunities. And today, this moment, is a testament to their sacrifice,” he said. “Mami y Papi, sí se pudo.”

Delapaz encouraged his fellow graduates to continue striving for growth, both personally and professionally, reminding them that commencement is not an ending, but a beginning.

“Whatever path you take, I encourage you to keep setting ambitious goals,” he said. “If there’s one thing I learned after transferring to UNCG, it’s that growth should never stop. You all have the potential to be great, to be the changemakers our society needs and the role models others will look up to. So, keep at it. Never stop growing.”

UNCG also conferred an honorary degree on Elvira Green, recognizing her more than 40-year career in opera. A mezzo-soprano who performed with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, Green’s credits include the European tour of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Beyond the stage, she has opened doors for others through her service on several arts boards, including the Greensboro Opera.

In total, UNCG awarded degrees to 1,488 undergraduate students, 321 master’s students and 145 doctoral students.

Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. applauded graduates for their perseverance and reminded them that they are now part of a global network of more than 150,000 Spartan alumni. He also noted that more than 80 percent of UNCG graduates remain in North Carolina, strengthening communities across the state.

“We are contributing to the prosperity of this state,” Gilliam said. “As you celebrate today, I want to recognize your courage and determination. You’ve created pathways for your families and your communities. Leave footsteps for others to follow. Become that ladder to prosperity.”

He closed with a hopeful charge to the Class of 2025.

“You are the change makers we need,” Gilliam said. “The world belongs to you now. You’re in the driver’s seat, and because you are UNCG alumni, I know you will make us proud. Class of 2025, congratulations, and as always, go Spartans.”