Campus & Community

2025 Commencement in Photos

Monday, May 12, 2025, By News Staff
Three graduates in blue caps and gowns stand with their backs to the camera, arms around each other. The graduate on the left has a decorated cap with an orange 'S' on it. They are in a stadium, with blurred spectators in the background.

Three graduates gather together for a final (for now) sway at Commencement 2025. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Congratulations graduates! The accomplishments of the Class of 2025 were celebrated by students, faculty, staff and families as the University held its annual Commencement ceremony in the JMA Wireless Dome on Sunday, May 11. The photos below capture some of the pomp and circumstance of this special day.

For more Commencement coverage, check out the keynote address by 10-Time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, Chancellor Kent Syverud’s remarks and student speaker and University Scholar Jonathan Collard de Beaufort ’25 addressing his fellow classmates.

Carmelo Anthony in academic regalia speaks at a podium during the Syracuse University 2025 commencement ceremony. The podium has an orange banner with the text 'Syracuse University 2025.' In the background, there are several other individuals in academic regalia seated, and orange banners with various college names.

Keynote speaker Carmelo Anthony addresses the Class of 2025 from the podium. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Chancellor Syverud, dressed in academic regalia, stands at a podium giving a speech. The podium has the text 'Syracuse University' and '2025' on it. The background includes other people in academic regalia.

Chancellor Kent Syverud offers remarks to the crowd of graduates and their loved ones. (Photo by Coco Boardman)

A graduate in a cap and gown stands at a podium with the text 'Syracuse University 2025' on it. Several people are seated behind the podium, also in academic regalia, with orange banners and white text hanging in the background.

University Scholar Jonathan Collard de Beaufort ’25 was selected as the student speaker on behalf of the Class of 2025. (Photo by Amy Manley)

A group of graduates wearing caps and gowns, with some raising their hands.

Commencement 2025 (Photo by Amy Manley)

Two individuals in academic regalia, Chancellor Kent Syverud and Bob Mankoff, hold a framed diploma from Syracuse University.

College of Arts and Sciences alumnus Robert “Bob” Mankoff ’66 (right) was awarded an honorary doctor of letters degree by Chancellor Syverud. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Two individuals in academic regalia, Chancellor Kent Syverud and Ali Meders-Knight, hold a framed diploma from Syracuse University.

Ali Meders-Knight (right), executive director of California Open Lands and Mechoopda tribal member, was awarded an honorary doctor of human letters degree by Chancellor Syverud. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Two individuals in academic regalia, Chancellor Kent Syverud and Judith Greenberg Seinfeld, hold a framed diploma from Syracuse University.

School of Education alumna Judith Greenberg Seinfeld ’56 (right) received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Chancellor Syverud. (Photo by Amy Manley)

A group of people wearing graduation gowns and caps, stand in a row with their arms around each other. They are facing away from the camera, and the setting is a stadium with rows of seats in the background.

You did it, Class of 2025! (Photo by Amy Manley)

A person wearing graduation attire, including a cap and gown, with a sash that reads 'MARSHAL.' The person is raising one hand in the air and smiling.

Graduate School Marshal Qingyang Liu waves to the crowd as she processes. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Carmelo Anthony wears academic regalia while processing at Commencement 2025. In the background, there are many other graduates dressed in similar attire, some of whom are taking photos or looking towards the stage.

Carmelo Anthony (Photo by Amy Manley)

A group of graduates wearing caps and gowns at Commencement 2025. The graduates are holding up their phones, possibly taking photos or videos. Some of the graduates are adorned with leis and honor cords. The background shows stadium seating with some spectators visible.

Commencement 2025 (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

A person in academic regalia holding a ceremonial mace, standing on the field of the JMA Wireless Dome at Commencement 2025. The background includes spectators seated in the stands.

Bea González G’04, former vice president for community engagement, special assistant to the chancellor and dean of University College, served as mace bearer. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

A group of people stand together on a grassy area in front of a large building with columns at Commencement 2025. The individuals are dressed in various outfits, with one person wearing a graduation cap and gown.

A student celebrates with loved ones on the Shaw Quad after the ceremony. (Photo by Amy Manley)

A group of people dressed in academic regalia, standing in a row on a stage at Commencement 2025. There are banners in the background that include the names of schools/colleges.

From left: Lois Agnew, interim vice chancellor and provost; Jonathan Collard de Beaufort ’25, student speaker; Jeffrey M. Scruggs, chair of the Board of Trustees; Commencement speaker Carmelo Anthony; and Chancellor Syverud. (Photo by Coco Boardman)

A person wearing a graduation cap and gown over an orange jacket with the word 'Syracuse' written on it. The person is standing on a field in the JMA Wireless Dome, with blurred spectators in the background.

Commencement 2025 (Photo by Amy Manley)

Four individuals wearing graduation gowns toss their caps in the air while standing on a grassy area of the Quad with a building in the background.

The obligatory cap toss (Photo by Amy Manley)

A person wearing an orange t-shirt with the text 'I LOVE MY MOM' printed on it. The person is holding open a dark blue graduation gown, revealing the t-shirt underneath. There are other people in the background also wearing graduation gowns.

When Commencement falls on Mother’s Day, mom deserves a shout-out too! (Photo by Amy Manley)

A group of people in academic regalia walk in a procession at Commencement 2025. The individuals are wearing caps and gowns, with some wearing hoods that indicate advanced degrees. The background shows an audience seated in a stadium setting.

Commencement 2025 (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Two individuals in graduation attire stand on the steps of a building with large columns. One individual is jumping in the air and Otto the Orange is between them.

Would it even be Commencement without Otto the Orange? (Photo by Amy Manley)

A group of four people standing outdoors during Commencement 2025, with a dog in front of them. One person is wearing a graduation cap and gown with an orange stole. The background includes trees, grass, and buildings.

Commencement 2025 (Photo by Amy Manley)

Three people stand outdoors, with trees and a building in the background. The person in the center is holding a decorated graduation cap that reads 'SU 2025' with an orange and blue design. The person on the left is pointing at the cap, while the person on the right is giving a thumbs-up gesture.

Commencement 2025 (Photo by Angela Ryan)

A group of people dressed in graduation attire and emergency responder uniforms, standing and sitting on chairs on a field. There is an orange banner behind them with a crowd of people seated in the background. The individuals are wearing caps, gowns, and stoles, indicating that they are graduates. Some individuals are also wearing uniforms with patches and badges.

Commencement 2025 (Photo by Amy Manley)

At the Falk College convocation ceremony, Dean Jeremy Jordan dressed in academic regalia stands next to Otto the Orange, taking a selfie with the crowd of graduates and attendees in the background. The stage has plants and water bottles on it, and the audience is seated in rows behind the stage.

Jeremy Jordan, dean of the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, takes a selfie with Otto and graduating students during the college’s Convocation event. (Photo courtesy of the Falk College on Facebook)

A group of 7 people dressed in graduation attire, standing together indoors. Some are wearing caps and gowns with various colored sashes and cords, indicating different academic achievements or honors. The person on the left, Maxwell Dean David Van Slyke, is making a peace sign with their hand. The background includes a table with orange and blue decorations and balloons, as well as other people and architectural elements of the building.

Maxwell grads pose with Dean David M. Van Slyke (far left) during the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Convocation. (Photo courtesy of the Maxwell School on X)

A group of seven people standing together outdoors on Syracuse University's campus following the College of Professional Studies Convocation ceremony. One person in the center is wearing a graduation cap and gown with an orange stole. The other six people are dressed in various styles of clothing, including coats, dresses, and casual wear.

Celebrating on the Quad after the College of Professional Studies Convocation on May 8. (Photo courtesy of the College of Professional Studies on Facebook)

A person in graduation attire, including a cap and gown, jumping in the air with both thumbs up. The background features a stone wall with the engraved text 'SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY' and some greenery. The Hall of Languages can be viewed in the background at a distance.

Sawyer Duserick ’25 is pumped to graduate magna cum laude from the Falk College. (Photo courtesy of Lea and Shannon Duserick)

A group of graduates wearing caps and gowns, with the focus on their decorated graduation caps. One cap has the text 'IT'S JUST ROCKET SCIENCE' with a small rocket illustration, and another cap has the year '2025' written in glittery decorations.

Spotted at the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) Convocation: “It’s Just Rocket Science.” (Photo courtesy of ECS on Facebook)

A person in graduation attire holds up a diploma in front of the John A. Lally Athletics Complex. The background features a rounded building, other people and trees under a clear blue sky.

An Orange diploma is a beautiful sight. (Photo courtesy of ECS on Facebook)

Composite of two individuals in graduation attire holding diplomas. Both individuals are wearing black graduation caps with yellow tassels and black gowns with purple and orange accents. The individual on the left is holding a diploma cover that reads "Syracuse University" with the university seal visible. The individual on the right is pumping their fist in the air and smiling.

All smiles at the College of Law Commencement on May 9. (Photos courtesy of the College of Law on Facebook)

a dog sits on a sofa wearing a blue and orange bow tie and a black mortarboard. There is a decorative pillow behind the dog that says Syracuse Orange.

Bauer, the Whitman School of Management’s pet therapy dog, donned a special cap and bowtie to help celebrate the occasion. (Photo courtesy of the Whitman School on Facebook)