*In this photo:* The 2025 Presidential Academic Awardees (all 4.0 GPAs) – (l-r) Annalise M. Bond of Selinsgrove, Pa.; Sydney Ann Davis Readon or New Milford, Conn.; Chloe Davis of Lewes, Del.; Kynise A. Dixon of North Plainfield, N.J.; Madison Tai-Lynn Ingram-Montgomery of Germantown, Wis.; Jasmin Jackson of Smyrna, Del.; Mariana Kebaso of Bear, Del.; Madison E. Martin of Palos Park, Ill.; Areli Martinez of Dover, Del.; Joy Watkins of Las Vegas, Nev.; and Hannah K. Weiss of Wilmington, Del.

On Campus

2025 Commencement Ceremonies – article and photos

Friday, May 9, 2025

Delaware State University celebrated nearly 1,000 graduates Friday, May 9, during its 2025 spring commencement ceremonies. The university held an undergraduate ceremony in the morning at Alumni Stadium and a graduate ceremony in the afternoon at the Dr. William B. DeLauder Education & Humanities Theatre. Photos from the ceremonies can be found below.

Undergraduate Commencement photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCdGEJ

Graduate Commencement, Program and Doctoral Degrees: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCdEv2

Graduate Commencement, Masters Degrees: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCdzoB

President Tony Allen opened the morning ceremony by acknowledging the importance of the day.

“The Bible says that weeping may endure for a little while, but joy, rain or shine, comes in the morning. Class of 2025, it’s morning time,” Allen said. “Families, this is your graduation too… You are the bridge from yesterday to today, from potential to achievement, from ‘maybe I could’ to ‘yes I did.’”

Allen also honored the university’s Golden Anniversary Class, welcoming back members of the Class of 1975 in celebration of their 50th reunion.

Governor Matt Meyer spoke early in the ceremony, recognizing the challenges graduates overcame, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These students are not only fortunate and hardworking, they also made a fine decision a few years ago, and that was to choose Delaware State University,” Meyer said. “Now you are stepping into a rapidly changing world. Do not let it knock you down.”

Leroy A. Tice, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, praised Allen’s leadership and announced the president has agreed to remain in his role for another five years.

Tice also highlighted student accomplishments, including participation in the Strada Scholars program, legislative fellowships, and research in cancer, healthcare access and molecular genetics. He closed with encouragement: “Extend grace to yourself and others, recognizing that everyone is on their own unique journey.”

Keynote speaker Jotaka L. Eaddy, founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies, delivered a powerful message to the Class of 2025.

“You have not simply arrived at this moment. You have ascended to this moment,” she said. “Victory is often celebrated in the light, but it is always won in the dark.”

She asked graduates to reflect on their support systems, saying, “Those people that you are waving at, that circle, that tribe, they fought for you. They loved on you. They prayed for you. They cried for you. They carried you.”

Eaddy emphasized self-worth and authenticity. “Your job and your assignment is to transform the rooms that you will occupy by showing up in the fullness of who you are. This is not the time to play small. This is not the time to conform. This is not the time for you to wait for permission,” she said.

“Take up space knowing that you are enough,” she said. “And I cannot wait to see the world that you will build,” Eaddy continued.

The following students were awarded the Presidential Academic Award:

Annalise Marie Bond, Mathematics Education
Chloe Davis, Physical Education
Kynise Anyae Dixon, Public Health
Madison Tai-Lynn Ingram-Montgomery, Biological Sciences
Jasmin Jackson, Management
Mariana Kebaso, Biological Sciences
Madison E. Martin, Engineering Physics
Areli Martinez, Biological Sciences
Sydney Ann Davis Reardon, Middle Level Education (6–8)
Joy Watkins, Public Health
Hannah Kate Weiss, Hospitality and Tourism Management

The Presidential Leadership Award was presented to Olayimika Joy Adeyemi, a Biological Sciences major.

This commencement also saw a milestone for DSU’s Early College High School, as Christopher Richardson and Kara McCarthy became the first students to earn an associate degree from DSU while completing their high school diplomas.

Major General James A. Benson, adjutant general of the Delaware National Guard, spoke to graduate students in the afternoon ceremony, sharing his personal connection to President Allen and a message rooted in discipline and vision.

“You are a force to be reckoned with,” Benson said. “A force to be reckoned with refers to someone or something that has power, influence and determination to make a substantial impact and cannot be ignored or underestimated.”

He called on graduates to apply their education with leadership and responsibility. “Many of you are using your master’s or doctoral degree to advance in your chosen field, which means that you will be leading projects, groups, teams, businesses and or organizations,” he said.

Benson encouraged the class to embody resilience and drive. “Regardless of the resources, personnel or strategic environment, a positive mindset is mandatory,” he said. He also advised graduates to apply the “three Ps — prayer, patience and perseverance — to overcome the challenges and minor setbacks.”

He closed by saying, “You have the tools and the talents to have a significant impact upon your family and future. Now go and do great things.”

Jotaka L. Eaddy and Major General James A. Benson both received honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from the university.

Photos by Carlos Holmes
Article by Devin Bonner

2025 Presidential Leadership Awardee, Olayimika Joy Adeyemi.

(L–R) DSU Early College School graduates Christopher Richardson and Kara McCarthy hold their associate degrees.

Chairman Leroy Tice and President Tony Allen present Jotaka L. Eaddy with an honorary degree.