Wright State University (WSU) celebrated its 102nd commencement ceremony on Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Nutter Center to honor the class of Fall 2025.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine sent a recorded greeting thanking graduates and encouraging them to look forward to their future accomplishments.
Dawn Wooley, Ph.D. and faculty President, appeared as grand marshal, calling it an honor to stand before the graduates.
The event also served as a reminder of WSU's long-standing commitment to provide accessible, high-quality education to students from all backgrounds. Founded in 1967, WSU has evolved into a regional institution renowned for its dedication to scholarship, innovation and community engagement.
WSU honored its newest graduating class with an evening filled with messages of perseverance, pride and forward movement, with DeWine's recorded address and remarks from graduating students and university administration.
In a video message played at the event, DeWine congratulated the graduates on accomplishing a significant milestone and advised them to continue their studies into the next stage of their lives. He applauded the graduates' dedication to completing their degrees and emphasized their importance in shaping the future for Ohio and the world.
"Graduates, I can't wait to see all the great things that you do next," DeWine said. He closed with, "Raider up."
The celebration marked WSU's 102nd commencement. It brought together students, families, faculty and staff from around the region. Graduates dressed in green and gold packed the arena, and cheers resounded as names were called and degrees were handed out.
Venkata Kalyan Babu Manikonda was among those who graduated, having finished his master's degree after years of academic effort. He saw graduation as more than the completion of a program, feeling it was a moment to celebrate personal growth and commitment.
"Graduation feels like a moment where everything finally comes together," Manikonda said. "It is a proud day for my family and me, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward."
Administrators highlighted that the Class of 2025 graduated within a time of transformation in higher education. It was characterized by growing technologies, altering job needs and a renewed emphasis on community impact. Faculty members emphasized the graduates' abilities to adapt and lead in unpredictable circumstances.
During the commencement parade, Wooley congratulated each of the graduates. Wooley encouraged students to apply the ideals they learned at WSU to their professional and personal lives, highlighting that education continues beyond the classroom. She stressed inquiry, honesty and service as guiding values for the next part of their journey.
"Graduates, as you move on to your next endeavor, trust in yourselves and believe in your own abilities," Wooley said. "Whatever obstacles lie ahead, remember that you overcame many challenges to be here today."
Family and friends showed up to congratulate their graduating loved ones; many carried placards, flowers and cameras to capture the occasion.
As the ceremony came to a close, graduates waved their hats in the air, representing both a conclusion and a new beginning. With new degrees and encouragement from state officials and university staff, the WSU Class of 2025 left the event ready to enter the workforce, seek higher studies and give back to their communities.
For WSU's newest alumni, the message was clear: the future promises many opportunities.
