On Friday, May 9th, along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, approximately 700 University of New Orleans students were celebrated by cheering families and proud faculty and staff at the spring 2025 commencement ceremony. For many, this day marked far more than an academic milestone—it was a celebration of resilience, perseverance and the promise of new beginnings.

“Today’s program marks the end of long years of rigorous academic training,” said UNO President Kathy Johnson. “Yet we call this morning’s event a Commencement as it is intended to mark the beginning of a transition to a new chapter in your lives.”

That theme of transition—of using hardship as a launching point for impact—resonated throughout the ceremony. From the beginning of her remarks, President Johnson acknowledged the unique path of this graduating class, many of whom entered the university during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You have persevered through storms and a global pandemic, demonstrating grit, resilience and strength in the face of adversity,” she said. “You’ve grown in so many ways through your determination to work hard and achieve your degree. And today is the day that we celebrate your success!”

The 2025 graduating class hailed from 28 U.S. states and territories and 25 areas abroad.

Special recognition was given to undergraduates who first enrolled in the fall or spring of 2021—students who arrived at UNO during a time when masks, social distancing and uncertainty defined their college experience. Yet they pushed forward—with determination, resourcefulness, and resilience.

“Many of you did not have a normal high school graduation ceremony,” Dr. Johnson said. “You entered UNO at a tumultuous time … But you’ve made it, and now you are able to walk across this stage. I hope that feeling of accomplishment is doubly sweet.”

That spirit of persistence was echoed by commencement speaker Julie Stokes, a CPA, former state legislator and CEO of the nonprofit Ellevate Louisiana. Stokes, a UNO graduate herself, delivered a deeply personal address about surviving breast cancer and redefining success not as perfection but as persistence through life’s unexpected turns.

“This day is not just about a diploma; it’s about everything you overcame to earn it,” she said. “Success isn’t about avoiding hardship. It’s about meeting it head-on, with heart and determination.”

Stokes shared stories of challenge and recovery—including the moment she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2017 while serving in the Louisiana House of Representatives. What followed was a grueling period of chemotherapy, radiation and self-reflection.

“Leadership isn’t about titles or accolades—it’s about using your story, your voice and your experience to make a difference,” she said. “Your personal story—with all its twists, triumphs and challenges—is your greatest strength.”

For UNO’s graduates, many of whom are the first in their households to earn a college degree, both speakers offered not just encouragement, but a charge to lead.

President Johnson invoked the wisdom of civil rights icon Ruby Bridges, who as a child helped integrate the New Orleans public school system just miles from UNO’s campus. Quoting Bridges, Johnson said: “Go where there is no path and begin the trail. When you start a new trail equipped with courage, strength and conviction, the only thing that can stop you is you.”

Her message to the graduates: “Don’t take the easy road because our state, country and world need your leadership. Start that new business. Notice what could be improved in your community or your workplace and forge a fresh trail to get there.”

Stokes reinforced that call with her own urging to embrace authenticity and resilience. “The greatest returns in life come not from what you accumulate, but from what you give back and who you help grow and succeed,” she said. “Class of 2025, today is not the end of your education; it’s the beginning of something even more meaningful.”

Both speakers touched on the idea that success is not always linear, and that setbacks can be catalysts for growth. “Don’t fear making mistakes,” President Johnson said. “This is how humans learn and grow.” She added, with a smile, “Although all of you newly-minted engineers—please try to make your mistakes in a test environment!”

Throughout the ceremony, the tone was one of celebration, not just of academic achievement but of the shared journey that brought this class to the finish line. Many graduates had juggled jobs, family responsibilities and personal challenges along the way.

During the ceremony, President Johnson asked all parents and guardians of the graduates to stand, inviting the graduates to thank those whose support helped make the day possible. The arena erupted in applause.

And while the students crossing the stage marked the end of one chapter, both President Johnson and Stokes made clear that the greater story is still ahead.

“Use what you’ve learned in your major and in your experiences outside the classroom to find new problems and to solve them,” said President Johnson. “Be unconventional. Forge new trails. And please, keep in touch with us so we can share your trailblazing stories with future generations of Privateers.”

As the graduates exited the Lakefront Arena, they stepped into the next phase of their journey undaunted, inspired and ready to lead.