Traditions of commencement are ancient. We replay them every year with minimal adjustments, marching scholars in robes and funny hats to receive their diplomas. But through every enactment of this ritual, we present new groups of unique thinkers and watch as each class emerges with scientific knowledge, technical understanding, and leadership skills beyond the class that preceded them.
At UNC Greensboro’s 2025 commencement ceremonies, students and their families will gather for the pomp and circumstance, but also to witness UNCG’s tradition of educational access on display as the University confers 2,855 degrees to this year’s graduates.
Standing on Ceremony
On Thursday, May 8, the doctoral and master’s ceremony will award 593 doctoral degrees and 112 Master’s degrees. Dr. Archana (Anu) Hegde will address the graduates before they cross the stage to receive their diplomas and doctoral hoods at the First Horizon Coliseum (formerly the Greensboro Coliseum). Dr. Hegde graduated from UNCG’s department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) in 2005. She began her career at East Carolina University, where she currently holds an endowed professorship in HDFS. A self-described servant leader, Hegde’s impact on teachers, children, families and communities has been recognized at state, national and international levels for publications, advocacy groups, and research organizations.
The undergraduate commencement will honor 2,150 graduates on Friday, May 9 at First Horizon Coliseum. There, faculty will march in, the Chancellor will praise the students’ hard work, tassels will be turned and the UNCG bell will ring. These traditions will bookend a student speaker, Myieh Leggette. A Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies major with concentrations in Humanities and General Psychology, Leggette has juggled studies with work as an emergency room nurse. Her fully online program makes her an outstanding representative for the ways UNCG has changed with the times, while continuing to provide educational access to those who need it.
The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same
Graduating with Leggette are honors students, service-minded scholars, and student leaders. Many represent how UNCG has evolved to serve the needs of our time.
Psychology major Truly Morgan will graduate as her 95-year-old grandmother, Sarah Lewis Morgan ‘50, watches from the audience. Sarah Ann remembers a very different college experience when she graduated with a degree in home economics 75 years ago. Back then, UNCG was the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina and was the only path to higher education for women in the state, but this year she’ll watch her granddaughter graduate in a class of students from a vast array of backgrounds and fields of study.
Also inspired by her grandmother is Jyesha McKinney, a first-generation college student who has taken advantage of educational opportunities her grandmother never had. She will follow her grandmother’s example into a nursing career, taking with her leadership skills from organizations like Student Government Association (SGA) and Greek life, but leaving behind a sister who continues the UNCG family tradition.
Another student leader, Samy Mendoza, is graduating as he wraps his term as SGA vice president. Graduating early at the young age of 19, Mendoza will return to his hometown of Faison, North Carolina. There, he is accepting a position as an advisor for college-bound high school students, paying forward the opportunities he found at UNCG.
Also among this year’s Spartan graduates is the student who has been the engaging personality behind the Spiro mascot for the last two years. He’ll trade the Spartan costume for a cap and gown and cross the stage with a marketing degree from the Bryan School of Business.
No matter what degrees they are earning, all graduates will step out of their gowns and caps to embark on careers that will fuel the future of our communities. Join us for traditions that honor individual accomplishments and celebrate UNCG’s mission of providing educational opportunities, one class at a time.
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Photos by Sean Norona, University Communications.
CELEBRATE OUR GRADS!
Graduates and their families are encouraged to share their accomplishments on social media by tagging the University accounts and using the hashtag #UNCGGrad. Visit UNCG’s digital swag page for Commencement-themed graphics and templates.
Mention @UNCG in celebratory posts on Instagram and X and @uncgreensboro on TikTok.
