Inaugural Summer Commencement

Ushers in New Horizons

By Jennifer Howe

UNC Charlotte is holding its inaugural Summer Commencement for 2025 graduates, Saturday, Aug, 9., where more than 1,000 degrees and certificates  — at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels will be conferred. Congratulations to our newest graduates who will apply lessons learned, knowledge gained and leadership skills acquired during their time at Charlotte to the next chapter of their lives.

Congratulations to the class of 2025!

Here are just a few of their stories:

Graduate in cap and gown smiles while holding green cap, standing in front of science-themed mural.

Ean Bass

B.A. Chemistry

Bass, son of a race car engineer, earns degrees for the science side of motorsports.

Student in green university polo stands confidently on a brick pathway lined with trees.

Abby Gordon

B.S. Business Administration

Gordon graduates with confidence, connections and knowledge fostered through work and school.

Charlotte student in tank top and jeans poses seated on the floor under warm, colorful lighting.

Niya Kerr

B.A. Dance

Following her former teacher's footsteps, Kerr completes her dance degree and is teaching future generations.

Graduate in green gown gives a double thumbs-up on campus, wearing honor cords.

Anna Shimota

B.S. Exercise Science

Shimota turns exercise science into a stepping stone for her next move.

Smiling man in Bosch polo gives shaka sign while standing in front of Bosch corporate sign.

Davey Sides

M.S. Construction and Facilities Engineering

Sides discovers his future in engineering with support from faculty and his grandmother.

Professionally dressed man smiles in front of large windows overlooking a modern city skyline.

Yash Tadimalla

Ph.D. Software Information Systems, Sociology

Tadimalla tackles AI’s biggest questions through an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program.

Smiling woman in graduation cap embraces child while sitting on a netted playground structure in a wooded area.

Skylar Tirotta

B.A. Anthropology

Tirotta sets an example for her son by earning her bachelor's degree.

Headshot of woman wearing pink glasses, smiling slightly against a blue and green gradient background.

Thai Ray Williams

Ph.D. Special Education

Williams, a 32-year classroom teacher, begins a new chapter after earning a Ph.D. in special education.