Syracuse University is preparing to celebrate its Class of 2025 with a series of events during Commencement Weekend. The main ceremony will take place at the JMA Wireless Dome on Sunday, May 11, starting with the procession of degree candidates at 9:30 a.m.
Carmelo Anthony, a notable alumnus and 10-time NBA All-Star who led Syracuse’s men’s basketball team to victory in the 2003 NCAA Championship, will deliver the Commencement address. Approximately 6,900 students are expected to graduate this year.
Chancellor and President Kent Syverud will address the graduates and confer degrees. Interim Vice Chancellor Lois Agnew will provide the welcome speech. Three individuals will receive honorary degrees: Robert “Bob” Mankoff ’66, Ali Meders-Knight, and Judith Greenberg Seinfeld ’56.
The ceremonial opening will be conducted by Tadodaho Sidney Hill from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Rev. Dr. Brian E. Konkol will give the invocation, while Peter A. Gianesini Jr., president of the Syracuse University Alumni Association, will welcome new alumni.
Senior class marshals Mark Nzasi and Yifan “Ivan” Shen will lead their peers during the ceremony alongside other student marshals representing various schools within the university. Jonathan Collard de Beaufort has been selected as this year’s student speaker.
The event includes performances by Olivia Scanzera and Enzo Cupani from the College of Visual and Performing Arts, as well as music from the Syracuse University Wind Ensemble under Timothy W. Diem’s direction.
Security measures for attendees include screenings with metal detectors and adherence to a clear bag policy for all venues throughout Commencement weekend.
Graduates are encouraged to download the OrangeNow app for event details and updates. The Office of Alumni Engagement invites graduates to update their contact information for future communications.
For those interested in supporting current students or commemorating graduation milestones, there are opportunities such as contributing to the Class of 2025 Giving Campaign or participating in a special Wishing Well initiative online.
Further details about Commencement activities can be found on Syracuse University’s official website dedicated to graduation events.
___
