Millersville University held its commencement ceremony for the class of 2025 at the Winter Center, where university leaders, faculty and alumni conferred doctoral, master's and baccalaureate degrees and recognized graduates, families and veterans.

The ceremony opened with university remarks and formal degree conferrals under the authority the president cited from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Millersville's governing bodies. Student Government President Kevin Herr Hornbaker announced the senior class gift, which will support the Millersville University scholarship fund and other campus programs the class selected. Victor Ramos, vice president for advancement, and other university officials welcomed attendees and reminded the audience of safety protocols.

Dr. Robin Davis, president of the faculty union and associate professor and chair of the history department, addressed graduates directly, acknowledging the disruptions of recent years and congratulating students on completing their programs: "You did it," she said, urging graduates to savor the accomplishment.

University President Daniel Luva delivered a salutation that framed graduation as both a culmination and a charge to engage with complex global challenges. "The future is not something to be feared but something to be shaped," Luva said, urging graduates to employ critical thinking, resilience and integrity as they leave campus.

Commencement speaker Dr. Kima Washington, founder and president of Brandyley Creative Group and president of the Millersville University Foundation, offered personal reflections and career advice to graduates, drawing on his own Millersville experience. Washington urged graduates to "do the hard things in life" and said, "Your courage is a catalyst for creating change." He also encouraged alumni giving, noting the foundation manages funds that support scholarships and university programs.

The ceremony included musical performances by the Millersville University Wind Ensemble and vocalists, a moment of reflection offered by graduate Evelyn Morales, hoodings and the conferral of doctoral and master's degrees by university officials. Interim Dean Laura Wilcox presented candidates for graduate degrees; the president conferred those degrees "upon the authority vested in me by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the board of governors and council of trustees," language used during the ceremony.

Marshals guided undergraduate candidates by college for baccalaureate conferrals and the program closed with recognition of veterans, reservists and first responders in attendance and a performance of the alma mater.

Details announced from the stage included the senior class gift to the university scholarship fund and remarks from foundation leadership that the Millersville University Foundation manages nearly $70,000,000 in assets to support scholarships and awards, as stated by the commencement speaker. The ceremony also recognized members of the Cygnus Society for embodying university values.

The university asked attendees to remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony and to hold applause until dean announcements concluded. No votes, motions or policy actions were taken; the event was ceremonial and the principal outcomes were the formal conferral of degrees and the public announcements described above.