PRESS RELEASE

Commencement celebrates achievements of the Class of 2025

KOKOMO, Ind. — In an explosion of cream and crimson confetti and a fanfare by a brass quintet, the Class of 2025 graduated during Indiana University Kokomo’s 56^th Commencement on Tuesday (May 13).

Anticipated thunderstorms held off for the outdoor ceremony, held under cloudy skies. More than 400 graduates processed from the Main Building, past cheering faculty members in academic regalia lining the Quad and into the Pavilion. Friends and family held up cell phones to snap video and photos, waving at their graduates as they paraded by in their caps and gowns.

IU President Pamela Whitten welcomed the audience to the “day of achievement,” noting that she and university leaders “share your pride in this celebration of achievement.”

Chancellor Mark Canada offered congratulations, noting that “today is about you,” as thousands of friends, family, faculty, and others come together to celebrate the achievement of graduating from IU Kokomo.

“If today is about you, what about tomorrow?” he said. “Tomorrow, and for that matter, the day after that, and the day after that, can be about the world – namely the world that you can serve with your college education.”

Canada said while scourges like war, poverty, and disease can feel overwhelming at times, the good news is that all can be overcome.

“If you study history, as I love to do, you know that humans have made progress overcoming all of these problems, and the tool we have often used is education. Now you have this tool, and I encourage you to use it, not only in your careers, but in your families and in your communities.”

Canada also shared stories of individual graduates, including Rene Semple, a first generation college student who plans to go to law school to help others navigate the immigration process; Drew Caldwell, a student-athlete who looks forward to continuing his career at Red Gold, where he previously was an intern; Katy Johnson, who found her place on campus by participating in student government; Dhivya Balabascarin, who came to IU Kokomo through a partnership program with Pondicherry University in India; and Lexi Eisaman, who will begin a career at the Walt Disney World Resort in August.

“Today, graduates, we celebrate all of you,” Canada said. “Tomorrow, you change the world. See you tomorrow.”

Katy Johnson, Tipton, representing the class as student speaker, said they showed resilience beginning college in the middle of a global pandemic, with social distancing and online classes.

“Despite these challenges, we made the choice to invest in our futures by enrolling at IU Kokomo,” she said. “I’m not sure about the rest of you, but that decision changed my life in unfathomable ways.”

She added that many of them have grown up feeling anxious and waiting for someone to make a change in times that have been tumultuous. However, she said, history has shown that change-makers are often born from times like this.

“President Obama captured this idea beautifully when he said, ‘Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.’

“To the Class of 2025 and all the classes after us, be the change you’ve been waiting for,” Johnson said. “You, my friends, have the power to impact and change the world. We all do.”

Whitten reflected on the class’s time at IU Kokomo, which encompassed her first four years as president.

She highlighted their journey to earn a degree over the last four years – from the excitement and nervousness of starting college, and the academic challenge, to becoming more involved and developing a sense of belonging, traveling with the KEY program, participating in cultural activities, studying abroad, completing internships, being on the path of totality for a total solar eclipse, presenting research, and cheering for Cougar athletic teams.

“Each of you has navigated your own unique journey to arrive at this moment,” Whitten said. “And now, after four years, give or take, you embark on new adventures, while I remain at IU. As you venture into the world, I encourage you to return to campus often. Each visit will bring a renewed appreciation for the beauty of the campus, the dedication of the faculty and staff who have supported you, and cherished spots that have become part of your IU experience.

You will feel deeply connected to this place, knowing you will always have a home at Indiana University. The bonds you have formed here, the memories you have created, and the growth you have experienced will forever be a part of you. Your journey at IU may be ending, but your connection to the university will endure.”

The highlight of the ceremony was the introduction of the graduates by Scott Jones, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, as each one crossed the stage to receive congratulations from the chancellor.

Then, with fanfare and confetti, Whitten conferred degrees and invited graduates to turn their tassels and throw their caps high in celebration.

School of Sciences graduate Amelia Bault, Logansport, led singing of the National Anthem and the Alma Mater. Anna Kiser of Noblesville, who earned a Master of Business Administration, and Martha Warner, IU Alumni Association Kokomo board president, assisted with induction of the class into the IU Alumni Association.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.