Commencement Week: Duke and Rowan Universities Celebrate the Class of 2025

Durham, North Carolina – Grant Hill, former NBA star and Dukes alumnus, addressed the graduating class of 2025 at Duke University‘s Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 11, at Wallace Wade Stadium. Hill emphasized the importance of values, stating, “Values are a verb,” and encouraged graduates to act on their beliefs.

The ceremony also included the Baccalaureate Ceremony held at Duke Chapel on Friday. Graduates celebrated with their families during a weekend filled with events recognized throughout the campus.

Meanwhile, just down the road, Rowan University held its own Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10. During the event at Coach Richard Wackar Stadium, Chris Gheysens, chairman and CEO of Wawa, delivered a motivational speech, stressing the importance of maintaining human connections in an increasingly automated world.

More than 5,500 graduates received their degrees across various programs at Rowan, where Gheysens urged students to embrace authenticity, emotional intelligence, and to remain true to their core values.

In addition to personal development, Gheysens reminded students about the significance of community and connection, stating, “In a world that can often feel divided, we found unity here.” The ceremony concluded with several cash giveaways funded by university partners, delighting lucky students.

The weekend’s celebrations were filled with pride and reflection as students from both institutions stepped into a future bright with potential.