Members of the Emory University Community and their guests braved the rain and cold to attend the University’s 180th Commencement ceremony on May 12. Emory moved the University-wide ceremony from the Quadrangle to the George W. Woodruff Physical Education Center after the National Weather Service predicted severe weather on the day of Commencement.
Many students and guests were upset by the University’s decision the day before commencement not to include all graduates in the University-wide commencement ceremony. Only Emory College of Arts and Sciences students receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree could attend the University ceremony, which featured Usher Raymond IV’s keynote address.
University President Gregory Fenves began the event by welcoming audience members to the ceremony. Fenves then introduced Dean of Religious Life Rev. Gregory McGonigle to lead a prayer and give a speech.
During his speech, McGonigle expressed his gratitude for the graduates' impact on the Emory community.
“This moment marks the end of a long journey filled with learning, growth, challenge, resilience and discovery,” McGonigle said. “We are grateful for the gift of having had these graduates among us as students, as our teachers also, and as sources of inspiration. Their brilliance, dedication and caring have touched all of us.”
Next, Fenves retook the stage to highlight the impact the graduates' time at Emory would have on their lives.
“Years from now, when somebody asks you, ‘What was Emory like?’ you will think of all that it took for you to make it to this graduation day, and you will share your unique story,” Fenves said. “In that moment, you will realize that your Emory experience stays with you forever, and that's what we are celebrating today.”
Following an awards presentation, the University granted honorary degrees to Usher, immunologist Leonore Herzenberg and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nursing Senior Adviser Susan Hassmiller.
Graduates stand outside in the rain on Monday.
Usher is an eight-time Grammy Award winner and is most well-known for his chart-topping songs such as “Yeah!” (2004) and “OMG” (2010). In addition to his music career, Usher is also an active philanthropist through his foundation Usher’s New Look, which empowers youth from underserved areas in Atlanta through financial literacy programs, career development opportunities and emphasizing the importance of education.
In his keynote speech, Usher noted the importance of the graduating class using their knowledge from Emory to improve the world.
“Be a dreamer,” Usher said. “Never stop imagining. Be better. Fight for a better life. Fight for a better world.”
Usher pushed the Class of 2025 to dream big, explore new places and achieve new goals.
“Don’t be afraid to wander into a space you don’t understand, as long as you bring compassion with you,” Usher said. “Be willing to stretch. Be a little unrealistic. Be a little delusional even, in the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment.”
Fenves closed the ceremony by congratulating the Class of 2025 on receiving their diplomas after years of hard work.
“Appreciate this experience,” Fenves said. “You have reached a milestone in your life. You did this. You made this happen. Savor it, enjoy it. Celebrate it. Congratulations.”
