News Summary
The University of Alabama and Shelton State Community College recently honored the graduating Class of 2025, awarding over 6,000 degrees at Coleman Coliseum. The celebrations included a diverse group of graduates from various backgrounds and featured notable speakers. This year’s commencement was also significant as it marked the final ceremony for the retiring president of the University of Alabama. Graduates showcased resilience and academic achievement, with many already entering high-demand job fields, particularly in nursing.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – The University of Alabama and Shelton State Community College celebrated the spring graduation of the Class of 2025 from May 2 to May 4, awarding over 6,000 degrees during ceremonies conducted at Coleman Coliseum. A total of approximately 6,700 students were expected to graduate this spring semester, with around 6,000 participating in the ceremonies across eight college-specific events.
The graduating cohort hailed from a diverse range of backgrounds, representing 38 countries, 48 states, and 65 of Alabama’s 67 counties. The Class of 2025 achieved an impressive average GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, showcasing their academic accomplishments during their time at the university.
Among the graduates was Goly Vang of Philadelphia, who received a Bachelor of Science in nursing. The nursing class from Shelton State Community College also played a significant role in the celebrations, with 29 students completing their program. These nursing graduates participated in a special nurse pinning ceremony, a tradition honoring Florence Nightingale, which marks their transition into the nursing profession.
Many Shelton State nursing graduates have already begun their professional careers, with some securing positions in high-demand areas, such as labor and delivery at DCH Tuscaloosa hospital.
This year’s commencement was particularly meaningful as it marked the final graduation ceremony for Stuart Bell, the retiring president of the University of Alabama, who plans to step down in July after a decade in office. Bell expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to witness the journeys and successes of countless students during his tenure.
The graduation events featured notable speakers, including former Alabama football head coach Nick Saban and U.S. President Donald Trump, who addressed the graduates and encouraged them as they step into the next chapter of their lives.
In addition to academic achievements, the Class of 2025 included a significant number of individuals overcoming challenges, with 816 first-generation college students, 28 active-duty military members, and 66 veterans achieving their degrees. This highlights the growing diversity of the student body and the dedication these graduates have shown to reach their educational goals.
The University of Alabama has noted a commitment to continuing support for its graduates, encouraging them to stay connected to their alma mater and the values instilled throughout their educational journeys. Bell emphasized the importance of handshakes during the commencement ceremony, symbolizing accomplishment and the connections formed through shared experiences.
In response to the rising demand for nursing professionals, Shelton State Community College is actively working to increase its nursing program capacity from 250 to 400 students by implementing ongoing renovations. This initiative reflects the continuing growth and development of nursing education within the community college system.
The progressive steps being taken by both the University of Alabama and Shelton State Community College signal a bright future for the graduates, who are stepping into a rapidly changing job market with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. As the Class of 2025 embarks on the next stage of their lives, their achievements and resilience serve as an inspiring reminder of what can be accomplished through dedication and hard work.
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Additional Resources
- WBRC: Nursing Students Graduate from Shelton State Community College
- Wikipedia: Graduation
- Tuscaloosa News: University of Alabama Holds Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony
- Google Search: University of Alabama graduation 2025
- Tuscaloosa News: College Graduations in Tuscaloosa: What to Know
- Google Scholar: Graduation Ceremony
- WBRC: Graduation Day for Nursing Students at Shelton State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Graduation Ceremony
- Tuscaloosa News: A Look at Fall 2024 Graduates from University of Alabama
- Google News: Class of 2025 Graduation
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
