University of Puget Sound will honor its graduates on Sunday, May 11, at 2 p.m. as part of its 133rd Commencement. The ceremony at Baker Stadium will celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025, including both undergraduates and students completing one of Puget Sound’s five graduate programs.
“It is a great honor to recognize the hard work, intellectual curiosity, leadership, and creativity of the undergraduate and graduate Classes of 2025,” said President Isiaah Crawford. “We know they will go on to make a positive impact in the world, equipped with the knowledge and skills gained through a Puget Sound education.”
The Class of 2025 represents the first graduating class at Puget Sound to complete the entirety of their college experience on campus following the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the students graduating on May 11, 33.3% identify as students of color and 16% are the first person in their family to attend college. They were deeply invested in the campus community, with 31% participating in varsity athletics and 25% involved in Greek Life. Nearly 37% studied abroad, incorporating a global worldview into their liberal arts education. A total of 436 students will participate in this year’s ceremony, including 331 undergraduates and 105 graduate students, with an impressive median GPA of 3.61.
This year’s student speakers are Kevoni Neely ’25 of Tacoma, Washington, who is graduating with a degree in African American Studies and a minor in Crime, Law, & Justice Studies, and Avi Matan Whinkin DPT’25 of Woodway, Washington, who is graduating with a doctorate in physical therapy. Washington State House of Representatives Speaker Laurie Jinkins J.D.’90 will deliver the Commencement address. The university will also confer honorary degrees on Jinkins and local educator Willie C. Stewart Sr.
Tickets are required to attend the ceremony and a livestream will be available to view on the Puget Sound website. To learn more about Commencement and all the weekend’s activities, including a full list of events and receptions, visit pugetsound.edu/commencement.
