UC celebrates record spring class of 2025

The University of Cincinnati celebrated a record-setting spring class as commencement returned to Nippert Stadium for the first time in four years.

Grads in black caps and gowns took the stage in front of an enthusiastic crowd to accept congratulations and their diplomas. UC acknowledged a record 7,503 graduates in three ceremonies Thursday and Friday.

UC College of Arts and Sciences graduate Jaela Kennedy gave the undergraduate student address, where she led students in a chorus of “Down the Drive.“

“Juncta Juvant reminds us that our strength lies in our unity,” she said, invoking the university’s motto. “We are what’s next: the next leaders, the next innovators, the next voices to spark change in a world that needs us.”

Board of Trustees Chair Monica Turner noted that commencement is considered the most important day in the life of the university.

“It gives me great joy to welcome you into the family of more than 350,000 UC alumni,” she said.

In his commencement address, President Neville Pinto acknowledged the unique challenges graduates faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Overcoming it required a historic global, scientific effort. Our university, like so many others, contributed to the public health solutions that allowed us to get through those times,” Pinto said.

UC epidemiologists helped to track the spread of the disease. Doctors at UC Health and the UC College of Medicine conducted clinical trials on the Moderna vaccine. And researchers across campus collected and donated personal protective equipment to hospitals to aid during the national shortage.

“Just a few years later, we are once again experiencing complicated times,” Pinto said. 

“It is natural in such an environment to be tempted to pull back from one another, to self-isolate and to withdraw,” he said. “Rather than shrink back, graduates, I hope you will step forward. Embrace the challenge. Talk with those around you — both those you agree with and more importantly with those you don’t.”

Pinto said the students’ experience and training has prepared them for whatever lies ahead.

“Graduates, like those who came before you, you are stronger than you know,” Pinto said. “You are ready for what comes next.”

Pinto opened his remarks during the afternoon ceremony by calling for a moment of silence.

“Before we get started, sadly I have to report an incident that occurred today with a Hamilton County deputy sheriff on Martin Luther King Drive. It was a very serious incident, and I would like to ask for a moment of silence to respect this officer.”

UC’s Board of Trustees conferred honorary degrees upon UC alumni, entrepreneurs and philanthropists Jay and Jyoti Chaudhry.

Jay Chaudhry is the CEO of Zscaler, a leader in cloud security, that he and his wife, Jyoti, founded in 2007. Before starting Zscaler together, they founded a series of successful companies, including AirDefense, CipherTrust, CoreHarbor and SecureIT.

The couple have deep ties to UC. Jay Chaudhry holds two master’s degrees from UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science. Both Jay and Jyoti Chaudhry earned master’s of business administration degrees from UC’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business.

Pinto presented each with a doctor of commercial science honoris causa in recognition of their outstanding achievements in business and their deep commitment to UC.

“Your Bearcat success story stands alone. As an entrepreneur and innovator couple, you are the gold standard,” Pinto said. “Your journey launching and scaling startups is unparalleled, rooted in integrity and rising on hard work, vision and values.

“Your Chaudhry Family Scholarship Fund at UC will transform the lives of countless first-generation students on our campus,” Pinto said.

Pinto also recognized two recipients of UC’s Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence: Austin Castle and Keya Nandi.

In her graduate student address, Lindner College of Business graduate Makayla Boyd recognized that each of her fellow graduates faced unique challenges. And she shared her own story of hard-won success.

“Kinley Simmons said, ‘We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams.’ As I stand here, I feel the weight of those words,” she said.

She noted that her grandfather went to school only through fourth grade while her grandmother never graduated from high school. Likewise, her parents could not afford to finish college.

“But today I stand before you as a graduate of the University of Cincinnati,” she said. “I am so thrilled to be here today as we complete this journey together.

“We’re not just graduates. We’re trailblazers, change-makers and the embodiment of perseverance. Congratulations, Bearcats, the best is yet to come for us.”

UC College of Engineering and Applied Science graduate Ejiro Agoba delivered a poem that earned enthusiastic applause.

“Growth doesn’t always look like progress. Growth often starts with rejection letters, missed chances and no,” he said.

UC College-Conservatory of Music student Jadyn Riggs sang the national anthem and led students in the singing of the Alma Mater to close the ceremony.

UC conferred 7,637 degrees upon 7,503 graduates, according to preliminary figures from the Office of Institutional Research. Some graduates earn multiple degrees.

UC awarded 555 associate degrees; 4,631 bachelor's degrees; 1,917 master's degrees and 240 doctoral degrees along with 294 professional certificates. Nearly half, or 48%, are degrees in STEMM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, math and medicine.)

More than 14% of graduates are first-generation college students. And 213 students in the spring class are graduates of Cincinnati Public Schools. About 3% of grads are U.S. veterans or dependents of veterans.

Graduates hail from 47 states and 78 countries across five continents as far away as Argentina, South Africa and the Philippines.

The youngest grad, earning an associate degree, is 17. The oldest is 76. The average grad’s age across degrees is 25. Among graduates, 34 will celebrate their birthday during the two days of commencement.

Featured image at top: UC commencement returned to Nippert Stadium on Friday for the first time since 2021. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand