Oxford College celebrated its Class of 2025 at Oxford’s 180th annual Commencement ceremony on May 10. Due to rainy weather, Oxford College moved the ceremony from the Oxford Quadrangle to the Williams Gymnasium.
Oxford Dean Badia Ahad opened the event and introduced keynote speaker Keith Burns (99Ox, 01B), co-chairman and co-CEO of Lullwater & Co. Burns serves on Oxford’s Board of Counselors and delivered the commencement address. The Board of Counselors is a group that helps Oxford leaders evaluate and address the college’s priorities.
During his speech, Burns acknowledged the pressures that graduates would face adjusting to the Atlanta campus and meeting others’ expectations for success. However, he emphasized the idea of persistence.
“Stock market indicators are showing uncertainty at the highest level since the pandemic,” Burns said. “Job losses are accelerating. Anecdotally, many people feel afraid and don't know where to look for answers. But you will, you must persist.”
Burns also inserted a call and response into his speech and asked the audience to repeat mantras such as “I will persist, I will grow, I will love.”
Lauren Wald (25Ox) mentioned that she enjoyed Burns’ call and repeats because they reminded her of the Oxford community.
“It was really meaningful to be surrounded by such an incredible community, such a vibrant community,” Wald said. “And be reminded of the strength we have when we work together to fight for what’s right and stand up for each other.”
Toward the end of his speech, Burns reflected on his time at Oxford as a formative experience.
“This magical place where I learned I could match raw intellect with hard work, be surrounded by so many people that were different from me, and we could find common ground trying to find a good place to eat in Covington, dancing at tavern parties or screaming ‘Dooley lives’ at the top of our lungs,” Burns said. “It was their love that supported me, but it was my decision to love those people and this place back that transformed my life.”
Wald echoed Burns’ sentiment, emphasizing Oxford’s impact on her life.
“If I had not looked into Oxford, I might not even know it existed, which is crazy, and it’s been such a transformative place for me,” Wald said. “If I had not clicked that box for admission, I would have never found my life.”
Following Burns’ speech, Ahad invited Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Lanny Liebeskind to the stage, where he announced the retirement of Philosophy Professor and former Dean for Academic Affairs Ken Anderson (89G, 91G) and Psychology Professor Sharon Lewis.
Liebeskind then introduced Oxford Senior Associate Dean of Campus Life Darleny Cepin, who awarded the Virgil Y.C. Eady Sophomore Service Award to Crystal Oleka (25Ox) and the Emory Williams Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching Award to Associate Professor of English and Director of the Writing and Communication program Gwendolynne Reid.
University President Gregory Fenves then conferred the Associate of Arts degrees to the graduates. Fenves highlighted Oxford’s influence on the graduates.
“Being at Oxford College has changed you, and each of you has given something back,” Fenves said. “Changing this campus for the better and leaving your own distinctive mark. So now, as you prepare for that next step, transitioning to our Atlanta campus, I encourage you to bring the very best of Oxford College with you.”
Fenves welcomed Emory College of Arts and Sciences Dean Barbara Krauthamer to the stage, who, in turn, welcomed the Class of 2025 to the Atlanta campus.
“You’re bringing the relationships you’ve built, the habits of mind you developed, the curiosity you’ve nurtured, and all of this is what makes you ready for the next chapter in Atlanta,” Krauthamer said. “So whether you’re continuing in Emory College of Arts and Sciences, the Goizueta Business School or the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, I know that you’re going to find new perspectives, new opportunities, and yes, certainly some new rhythms and things to adjust to.”
After the event, Nabiah Bhatti (25Ox) reflected on her time at Oxford and transitioning to the Atlanta campus.
“Especially after declaring my major, I feel very comfortable going,” Bhatti said. “I feel like everyone has sent us so much support.”
Luccas Perez (25Ox) said he felt “bittersweet” about graduating and acknowledged the challenges of the social transition to a new campus.
“You’re all of a sudden thrust in this environment of people that you haven’t really gotten the chance to meet yet,” Perez said. “But I think it’ll be fine.”
Looking back on her college journey, Sarah Luo (25Ox) reflected on how quickly her time at Oxford passed.
“It feels surreal,” Luo said. “I feel like I just got here and then now I’m going to be a junior.”
Ahad delivered the closing remarks, reflecting on her experience with the Class of 2025.
“I want to say that this class will always hold a very special place in my heart, because we began our journey at Oxford together two years ago,” Ahad said. “We arrived full of hope and anticipation and maybe even a little uncertainty about what was ahead. But together, we found our way, learning, adapting and building a community.”
Managing Editor Lauren Yee (24Ox, 27C) contributed to reporting.
