Delaware State University Celebrates Class Of 2025 At Spring Commencement Ceremonies

The 2025 Presidential Academic Awardees- all 4.0 GPAs. (l-r) Annalise M. Bond, Sydney Ann Davis Readon, Chloe Davis, Kynise A. Dixon, Madison Tai-Lynn Ingram-Montgomery, Jasmin Jackson, Mariana Kebaso, Madison E. Martin, Areli Martinez, Joy Watkins, and Hannah K. Weiss. (Photo by Carlos Holmes)

DOVER- Delaware State University honored nearly 1,000 graduates during its 2025 spring commencement on Friday, May 9.

The day featured two separate ceremonies: an undergraduate commencement held at Alumni Stadium in the morning and a graduate ceremony hosted at the Dr. William B. DeLauder Education & Humanities Theatre in the afternoon.

President Tony Allen opened the morning ceremony by reflecting on the day’s significance and addressing graduates and their families.

“The Bible says that weeping may endure for a little while, but joy, rain or shine, comes in the morning. Class of 2025, it’s morning time,” Allen said. “Families, this is your graduation too… You are the bridge from yesterday to today, from potential to achievement, from ‘maybe I could’ to ‘yes I did.’”

Governor Matt Meyer addressed the graduates early in the ceremony, acknowledging the challenges the students overcame, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These students are not only fortunate and hardworking, they also made a fine decision a few years ago, and that was to choose Delaware State University,” Meyer said. “Now you are stepping into a rapidly changing world. Do not let it knock you down.”

Board of Trustees Chair Leroy A. Tice praised Allen’s leadership and announced that the university president had agreed to extend his tenure for another five years. Tice also celebrated the Class of 2025’s academic and professional achievements, highlighting student involvement in the Strada Scholars program, legislative fellowships, and research efforts in cancer, healthcare access, and molecular genetics.

“Extend grace to yourself and others, recognizing that everyone is on their own unique journey,” Tice said in closing.

Keynote speaker Jotaka L. Eaddy, founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies, delivered a message of empowerment and perseverance.

“You have not simply arrived at this moment. You have ascended to this moment,” Eaddy told the graduates. “Victory is often celebrated in the light, but it is always won in the dark.”

She encouraged graduates to reflect on those who supported them along the way. “Those people that you are waving at, that circle, that tribe, they fought for you. They loved on you. They prayed for you. They cried for you. They carried you.”

Twelve students received the Presidential Academic Award in recognition of their outstanding academic performance:

Annalise Marie Bond, Mathematics Education
Chloe Davis, Physical Education
Kynise Anyae Dixon, Public Health
Madison Tai-Lynn Ingram-Montgomery, Biological Sciences
Jasmin Jackson, Management
Mariana Kebaso, Biological Sciences
Madison E. Martin, Engineering Physics
Areli Martinez, Biological Sciences
Sydney Ann Davis Reardon, Middle Level Education (6–8)
Joy Watkins, Public Health
Hannah Kate Weiss, Hospitality and Tourism Management

The Presidential Leadership Award was presented to Olayimika Joy Adeyemi, a Biological Sciences major.

2025 Presidential Leadership Awardee, Olayimika Joy Adeyemi. (Photo by Carlos Holmes)

The commencement also marked a milestone for the university’s Early College High School program. Students Christopher Richardson and Kara McCarthy became the first to earn associate degrees from DSU while still completing their high school diplomas.