On Wednesday, May 14, Indiana University Northwest welcomed its latest set of alumni at the university’s 59th annual commencement ceremony. Nearly 600 degrees were awarded to the graduating class across a diverse range of fields, from nursing to labor studies. The ceremony was a heartwarming farewell to the Class of 2025.
Indiana University Northwest’s Class of 2025 is one of the most diverse in the Indiana University network in terms of age, race, ethnicity, and gender. Almost half of the graduating class belongs to an underrepresented minority – the highest percentage across all Indiana University campuses – and 30% of students are first-generation college graduates. The Indiana University Northwest campus also had the highest percentage of Hispanic/Latino and African American graduates across the Indiana University network.
The wide representation found in the Class of 2025 is another example of Indiana University Northwest’s continued commitment to uplifting the communities it serves with high-quality education and career opportunities.
“I got to see the students I’ve worked with and advised walking today, and it’s a really proud moment,” Indiana University Northwest Academic Advisor Erika Daniels said. “They’ve worked really hard to get to this point, so to see them walking across the finish line makes me really happy. It feels good.”
The ceremony began with opening remarks from Indiana University President Pamela Whitten and Indiana University Northwest Interim Chancellor Vicki Román-Lagunas. These opening remarks emphasized how transformational the journey to graduation has been and how graduation is just the beginning of an even larger adventure.
“Each of you dared to dream, and now you step into a community of thinkers, visionaries, and changemakers – individuals who will leave their mark not just through their achievements but through the values they uphold,” Román-Lagunas said. “As you go beyond the halls of Hawthorn and the desks at Dunes, remember that you have the power to unite, to inspire, and to lead with vision and heart.”
For many of the 586 graduating students, today’s ceremony concluded a years-long journey. Elgis Streeter began his journey with Indiana University Northwest in pursuit of his bachelor’s degree, eventually continuing to earn his master’s degree. Along the way, he began a career as Indiana University Northwest’s director of alumni engagement, graduating today as part of the Indiana University Northwest Class of 2025 with his MBA. Streeter fell in love with Indiana University Northwest because of the opportunities it presented for the surrounding community.
“I fell in love with Indiana University Northwest because it was local,” Streeter said. “It really helped me grow. I’ve been able to see a lot of the country, meet a lot of amazing professionals, and develop great job connections thanks to Indiana University Northwest.”
In his speech during the ceremony, Streeter emphasized that, while students may be leaving the classrooms at Indiana University Northwest, they’re stepping into an ever-expanding community of Indiana University alumni who will continue offering connection and support.
“Today, you join a global network of more than 790,000 alumni,” he said. “We know that those of us graduating today will continue to enhance the worldwide reputation of Indiana University and bring distinction and honor to our alma mater.”
In total, Indiana University Northwest awarded 24 associate degrees, 472 bachelor’s degrees, and 90 master’s degrees. Beyond a diploma, though, Indiana University Northwest offers students the skills and knowledge they need to make a difference in the world.
“This is your call to action,” Román-Lagunas said. “Use your education, your talent, and your heart to make a world that is more just, more compassionate, and more united. Dream boldly, lead with compassion, and never stop trying to make this world a better place. In your hands lies the power to shape the future.”
Learn more about Indiana University Northwest’s Class of 2025 and the educational opportunities offered by the university at northwest.iu.edu.
