As a university dedicated to making education work for all, there’s no day more special than commencement. It is the moment when we get to pause and celebrate the extraordinary efforts of our students as they strive to reach their academic and personal goals. And on Saturday, May 17, we had plenty of opportunity to do just that.
This year’s master of ceremonies was Genia Herndon, associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs and a two-time CU Denver graduate (Master of Arts ’15 and PhD ’22) “Today, we come together not only to commemorate the culmination of a challenging journey of academic study—but also to recognize the shared life experiences of our students, and to celebrate the successes of our newest graduates of CU Denver,” Herndon said.
She was joined on stage by CU regents, deans, and CU Denver’s Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen.
The morning ceremony celebrated graduates from the Business School, the College of Architecture and Planning, and the College of Engineering, Design and Computing. CU Regent Wanda James spoke to the impact of Wilma Webb, who received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters for her philanthropic work and public service (she is the first and only Black woman in Colorado to serve at all levels of government).
In the afternoon, graduates from the College of Arts & Media, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Education & Human Development, and the School of Public Affairs, had their turn to cross the stage.
At both ceremonies, Chancellor Christensen spoke of anticipating this day since he joined the university in February. “What drives me as chancellor is the opportunity to stand witness to your academic excellence and personal growth,” Christensen said. “There is no higher honor than presiding over today’s ceremony and for that I am forever indebted to all of you.”
Combined, the ceremonies included more than 2,000 graduates from 40 states and more than 70 countries, including Chile, Kenya, Korea, and Australia. “Every day will not be as momentous as a college commencement,” Christensen said. “But every day provides each of us the opportunity to encounter a moment. What we do with it, is up to us.”
He encouraged the graduates to look for those moments in unexpected places and to see how they can shape our lives. “The more moments we meet, the greater our collective impact,” he said.
Chancellor Christensen then welcomed the graduates as alumni and asked them to stay involved. “To meet this moment, I need all of you,” he said. “I challenge you to remain present to your alma mater and to take pride in our growth. Challenge us to be creative and forward-thinking and bring your ideas back to campus.”
Isaac Kron, Bachelor of Science ’25
What Are You Excited About: “I’m just looking forward to hearing my family cheer when I walk across that aisle. It’s been a long journey. … It’s been life changing. I’ve grown so much at this place, and it’s been awesome.”
Lexus Harris, Master of Criminal Justice (online) ’25
How she’s feeling today: “I’m excited, of course, and ready for the next chapter my life.”
Andrea Ferrel-Alvarez, Bachelor of Science ’25
Favorite moment: “I just faced a lot of adversity with trying to get my internship hours and just [my professor’s] guidance and, like, really helping me feel seen as a first-gen and just preparing myself for the next step.”
Jackson McMurdo Gould, Bachelor of Fine Arts ’25
Favorite Moment: Studying abroad in Singapore. “The skills I’ve learned at CU Denver have been really great and helpful to push me.”
Alexandra Thammavong, Bachelor of Fine Arts ’25
Advice for Future Lynx: “There will definitely be someone in your class to connect with.”
