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145th Commencement Exercises

Grad Student

Commencement Dates

Friday, May 9, 2025, at 2 p.m. Baccalaureate (the College of Health and Sciences and the School of Education)

Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 9 a.m. (Graduate and Professional)

Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2 p.m. Baccalaureate (the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and the School of Business)

Congratulations on your candidacy for graduation! Please check out the graduation checklist and FAQs to help you prepare for a memorable event.

FAQs

View Commencement Program

All attendees of the 145th Commencement Exercises must adhere to the Department of Athletics’ clear bag policy. All permissible bags will be checked upon entry into the arena. All bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and less than 12" x 12"x 6" — exceptions will be made for medical and baby needs. Small wristlets/clutches (less than 4.5" x 6.5" x 1") with or without a strap are permitted.

Important Notices for Graduates

145th Commencement Exercises: Highlights

Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies

The Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies for baccalaureate, graduate, and professional students took place at McDougald-McLendon Arena on Friday, May 9, 2025, and Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Ceremony Schedule

Friday, May 9, 2025

2 p.m. – Baccalaureate Ceremony

  • Colleges: the College of Health and Sciences and the School of Education

Saturday, May 10, 2025

9 a.m. – Graduate and Professional Ceremony

2 p.m. – Baccalaureate Ceremony

  • Colleges: the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and the School of Business

Simulcast Viewing Sites for the Ceremonies: 

  • NCCU Student Center (500 Nelson St.)
  • Nursing Building Auditorium (1402 S. Alston Ave.) 
  • Miller-Morgan Health Sciences Building Auditorium (530 Nelson St.)
  • H.M. Michaux Jr. School of Education Building Auditorium (700 Cecil St.)
  • Albert L. Turner Law Building, Room 100 (640 Nelson St.)

News and Updates

Profile of NCCU Spring Class of 2025

View the Profile

Events for Graduating Students

The Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Alumni Relations present:
New Alumni Spring Pinning Ceremony
May 4, 2025, at 3 p.m.
NCCU Student Center Event Hall
Professional attire: maroon, gray or black
RSVP for the Pinning Ceremony (Deadline: April 30, 2025)

The Office of Alumni Relations present:
Student to Alumni Senior Day Party
May 7, 2025, 4–8 p.m.
The Living Room (1007 W. Main St., Durham, NC)
Celebrate your transition from student to alumni with music, food, and fun!
RSVP for Alumni to Senior Day Party

Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon cordially invites you to attend: 
Chancellor's Reception for Graduating Students and Their Families 
May 8, 2025, 3–5 p.m. 
NCCU Student Center 

Commencement ADA Seating Registration Form

The deadline to request ADA seating for the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies has passed. If you or your guest(s) have accessibility concerns, please contact us as soon as possible for further assistance.

Guests requiring wheelchair or mobility-accessible seating will be placed on the bottom floor behind the graduate seating area. If ADA seating reaches capacity, guests with accommodations may be relocated to a virtual viewing area.

For questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at 919-530-6325 or [email protected].

Spring Commencement Parking

Parking Map 

Senior Class Challenge: I Heart My 1910 Student Scholarship Challenge

The Division of Institutional Advancement invites all graduating seniors to join the Senior Class Challenge, supporting the I Heart My 1910 Student Scholarship. This scholarship, funded by student donations, helps an NCCU student each semester.  All graduating students, please give now via the scholarship donation page.

Baccalaureate Commencement Ceremony: May 9

View the College of Health Sciences and the School of Education undergraduate ceremony held on May 9, 2025.

Graduate/Professional Commencement Ceremony: May 10

View the graduate and professional ceremony held on May 10, 2025.

Baccalaureate Commencement Ceremony: May 10

View the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and the School of Business undergraduate ceremony held on May 10, 2025.

Commencement Speakers

Mayor Leonardo (Leo) Williams

Mayor Leonardo (Leo) Williams ‘05, ‘15

Durham Mayor
(Baccalaureate ceremony for the College of Health and Sciences and the School of Education, May 9)

Learn More
Photo of Ernie Suggs

Ernie Suggs ‘90

Pulitzer-Nominated Journalist
(Graduate and professional ceremony, May 10)

Learn More
Photo of Reggie McCrimmon

Reggie A. McCrimmon ‘13

Public Affairs Strategist
(Baccalaureate ceremony for the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, and the School of Business,
May 10)

Learn More
Nicole Martin

Nicole Martin

Bachelor's of Science (B.S.N.) in Nursing

Nicole Martin grew up in the Philippines with her father, who owns a rice mill. In 2017, at the age of 11, she moved to North Carolina. 

“I got tired of the Philippines,” Martin said. “It’s hot. And I wanted to spend more time where my mother was.” 

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Jordan Baccus

Jordan Baccus

Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education, Minor in Business Administration

Jordan Baccus, who will complete her Bachelor of Science in public health education and minor in business in May, grew up in Nichols, South Carolina. She moved to Cary at age 11 and Durham, North Carolina, in 2017 when she was 15.  

At the age of 13, she experienced multiple strokes. She underwent four months of treatment and rehabilitation at the UNC Children’s Hospital. 

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Devonte Wilson

Devonte Wilson

Juris Doctor

For Devonte Wilson, the pursuit of justice isn’t just a career goal — it's personal. 

As he prepares to graduate from the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law in May, Wilson is already making an impact as an advocate, mentor and leader. But his journey has been shaped by more than textbooks and courtrooms: it’s been driven by family community and the power of the law to change lives.  

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Law school graduate Maeva Hassani smiles while wearing her regalia

Maeva Hassani

Juris Doctor

Achieving U.S. citizenship was more than a legal milestone for Maeva Hassani — it was the realization of a lifelong dream and the foundation for her future in law. In May, she will graduate from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law, bringing her one step closer to a career dedicated to justice and advocacy. 

Hassani’s path to this moment has been anything but conventional. At 12, she moved from Paris, France, to Forest City, North Carolina — a stark contrast from the cosmopolitan city she once called home. The transition was overwhelming, marked by cultural differences and language barriers. Yet, with the support of her family and new friends, she adjusted, laying the groundwork for what would become a passion for law and community service. 

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Keylonnie Boatwright

Keylonnie Boatwright

Bachelor of Arts in English

Two to three times a month, senior Keylonnie Boatwright and her mother pack a truck with clothing for sale, tent, table, cash register and advertising flyers and drive off to a pop-up shop somewhere in the southern United States. 

“For the longest time, I was confused about what to do,” Boatwright said. “My mom said, you love fashion. Why don’t you start a boutique?” 

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