On Friday, May 9, 2025, Rose State College honored the achievements of its graduating students with two commencement ceremonies held outside of the Jeanie Webb Student Union. The ceremonies celebrated 440 total graduates who participated in this milestone event, with 207 students recognized in the morning and 233 in the afternoon.
Morning Ceremony: Honoring Business, STEM, and Health Sciences Graduates
At 9 AM, the college celebrated graduates from the Business and Information Technology, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and Health Sciences divisions. A total of 207 students crossed the stage, cheered on by families, friends, faculty, and staff. These graduates were recognized for their academic achievements, resilience, and commitment to future goals.
Afternoon Ceremony: Honoring Liberal Arts, eLearning, and Academic Outreach
The 12 PM ceremony honored 233 graduates from Liberal Arts & Sciences, eLearning, and Academic Outreach programs. These students exemplified perseverance, having often balanced coursework with employment and other responsibilities, many completing their programs through flexible or remote learning formats.
President Dr. Jeanie Webb presided over both ceremonies and delivered heartfelt remarks, including the acknowledgment of special guests and recognition of the 2025 Staff Excellence Awards—a prestigious honor awarded to exemplary Rose State College employees.
In her “Challenge to the Class of 2025” speech, Faculty Senate President Ann Smith encouraged graduates to carry forward the values of critical thinking, integrity, and service.
Student Senate President Johnny Butler followed with a powerful student response, encouraging the graduating class to persevere and continue the hard work into their next chapters of life.
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Travis Hurst, officially presented the graduates during each ceremony, confirming their completion of all academic requirements. Following this, Dr. Jeanie Webb conferred degrees upon the graduates, marking their transition into alumni.
The ceremonies concluded with the ceremonial changing of the tassel, led by Vice President Hurst, a symbolic gesture marking the beginning of a new chapter in each graduate’s life.
Rose State College’s 2025 Commencement was a joyful and moving celebration of perseverance, academic excellence, and community. With 440 graduates taking part in the ceremonies, the Class of 2025 leaves a legacy of determination and achievement.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025—we’re glad you chose Rose!