Countdown to Commencement March 2025: A Message for Upcoming Graduates

Staff  •  February 10, 2025

As spring approaches, excitement fills the air at Marshall University. For students, families, and faculty, the countdown to commencement represents more than the culmination of academic efforts; it is the start of a new chapter filled with opportunity. For me, as Marshall’s president, it’s a moment to reflect on the past year’s lessons and envision a future shaped by the incredible promise of our graduates.

Lessons From the Past Year

Over the last year, I’ve witnessed resilience, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to growth within the Marshall community. Students, faculty, and staff have continued to adapt and innovate, ensuring that the university remains a beacon of education and opportunity. These efforts remind me of the importance of embracing change and leaning into challenges – a lesson that resonates not only within the academic sphere but across all facets of life.

Reflecting on the journey leading up to commencement, Marshall’s semi-annual Countdown to Commencement event stands out as a hallmark of our preparation. This year, students can look forward to gathering in the Don Morris Room of the Memorial Student Center on March 11 and 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., to celebrate milestones, decorate caps, write thank-you notes, and enjoy refreshments. Members from campus administrative offices will also be there to help ensure that each student has everything they need for their big day.

The event also offers unique opportunities for graduates to connect with essential resources, including:

• Alumni Relations: Celebrate joining the Marshall University Alumni Association and learn how it can support you after graduation.
• Graduate Studies: Explore master’s and doctoral programs offered at Marshall to continue your education and take it to the next level.
• Office of Career Education: Receive guidance on resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and job searches to prepare for life after graduation through the Office of Career Education.
• Registrar’s Office: Confirm graduation details, pick up honor cords, and address special needs for commencement at the Registrar’s Office.
• Marshall University Bookstore: Find caps, gowns, class rings, and diploma frames at the MU Bookstore.
• GradImages: Professional photographers will be on-site to capture cap-and-gown portraits. There’s no sitting fee and no obligation to purchase, ensuring every graduate has the opportunity to preserve their moment their way.

A virtual Countdown to Commencement will also be available on March 13, ensuring accessibility for online program graduates as well. From personalized services to community-building activities, Countdown to Commencement will celebrate and prepare our graduates for their exciting day.

A Celebration Steeped in Tradition

Through an enduring spirit of innovation and progress, this year’s graduates are poised to leave an indelible mark on Marshall and the world they will soon enter. Commencement Day honors each of our graduates and the remarkable things they’ve achieved during their time here at Marshall. It also looks ahead to what our graduates will achieve in the future.

Together, we’ll witness a processional led by the Chief Marshal bearing the Grand Mace, the conferring of degrees, and moving remarks from keynote speakers. Commencement Day will culminate with our newest graduates, family members, friends, and cherished alums singing Marshall’s “Alma Mater.” This tradition serves as a unifying conclusion to a momentous day.

We Are Marshall

At Marshall, we are more than a university. We are a community committed to growth and possibility. For graduates stepping into their next chapter, the lessons learned here will serve as a guide: the importance of mentorship, the value of lifelong learning, and the power of working together to create something greater than ourselves.

One of the ways we’re ensuring these lessons truly resonate is through initiatives like First Ascent. Launched in collaboration with West Virginia University, First Ascent is a two-year fellowship opportunity for recent West Virginia University and Marshall University graduates to start their professional careers in-state. The program is rooted in a shared belief: West Virginia’s greatest resource is its people.

By providing recent graduates with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to succeed, the program is transforming the professional landscape of our state. From co-working spaces to outdoor adventure hubs, First Ascent creates environments where young professionals can thrive while staying connected to the communities they love. 

As someone grateful to call this state home, I know the challenges we face – as well as the untapped potential that exists within our borders. First Ascent reflects a vision for West Virginia as a place where careers can flourish, communities can grow, and dreams can be realized. By removing barriers, we ensure that our sons and daughters see the Mountain State not just as where they’re from but as a place in which they’re proud to stay.

Final Thoughts

As commencement draws near, let’s celebrate not only the achievements of our graduates but the values Marshall University holds dear. Together, we’ve built a foundation of resilience, innovation, and hope — a foundation that will empower our graduates to shape a brighter future for our state and our nation as a whole.

To the Class of 2025: The road ahead is yours to define. Embrace it with courage, curiosity, and a commitment to making a difference. You are part of a long legacy of Marshall graduates who have profoundly impacted our world. Whether you’re pursuing an advanced degree, starting your career, creating change in your community, or gearing up for a trip to the final frontier, remember: the values you’ve cultivated here will guide you, and our support does not end at graduation. As you continue to forge your own pathways, know that Marshall will always be a part of your story — and you will always be a part of ours.

Go, Herd! 

Stay up to date with Brad’s work at Marshall University by following him on LinkedIn, Substack, and Facebook.