Rising to meet every challenge – UWGB celebrates largest spring graduating class

An excited buzz filled the Kress Events Center today on the UW-Green Bay Campus as the university celebrated its largest spring graduating class, highlighting the 1,338 eligible graduates in two ceremonies. The crowds erupted with shouts of applause as friends, family and fans cheered for the newest members of the 50,000+ University of Wisconsin-Green Bay alumni.

The ceremonies also celebrated the largest class of Rising Phoenix graduates. Today, more than 150 students from state-wide high schools earned their associate degree before they graduate from high school in the next month. Close to 50% of the spring class of 2025 are considered First Generation students, and 25% of the class are transfer students.

Chancellor Michael Alexander welcomed all participants at both the morning and afternoon ceremonies, highlighting the more than 50 years of graduates who proudly share their history as UW-Green Bay alumni. “Now and forevermore, YOU are a Phoenix. You advance fearlessly, take charge and believe in your ability to shape the future, you are dedicated to a life of learning, you create a supportive, connected and collaborative environment where everyone can thrive and you cherish the journey and those who journey with you. You rise,” he said.

He presented the Chancellor’s Award to UW-Green Bay Alumna Dr. Tina Sauerhammer-Dean, ’99 a trailblazing plastic surgeon, dedicated community leader, and proud UW-Green Bay alumna, asking graduates to “…see what is possible as a UWGB grad.”

The Class of 2025 speaker for the morning ceremony, Monica Garcia, shared the importance of authenticity. “With each connection that we make we are reminded that our stories, especially those that are overlooked—carry power,” she said. “But the truth is that our authenticity is our greatest strength. The more that we show up as our unapologetic selves, the more we make others feel comfortable enough to do the same. So, I urge you all to continue taking up space and to lean on others. When we surround ourselves with people who see us, hear us, and believe in us, we can accomplish more than we could have ever imagined.”

Chancellor Alexander introduced morning commencement speaker Barb LaMue, President and CEO of New North, Inc. as someone who “leads with love,” and this was evident in the remarks she shared with students. “What unites this graduating class is a shared commitment to understanding human experience. You’ve studied the stories people tell, the systems they build, and the values they fight for. You’ve learned to ask questions that matter—and to listen to answers that challenge you,” she said. “As you go forward with pride, passion, and purpose—the future is yours to create…today, you leave as a community of thinkers, creators, and changemakers. Your path won’t always be clear. But that’s not a sign to stop. It’s an invitation to create your own road. To Find Your True North.” 

The Class of 2025 speaker for the afternoon ceremony, Aashvi Pandey, spoke about how her pursuit to degree required her to fail, get outside of her comfort zone and grow. “I had to fall on my face to learn that it’s not about being fearless, it’s about being brave enough to keep going.” Pandey had these closing words for her peers in the Class of 2025. “We’re here because we dared to dream big, but more importantly, because others dared to dream big for us. So let’s be those people for others. Let’s be the ones who lift up, who inspire, who make a difference, even if we’re slightly terrified while doing it.”

During her introduction of commencement speaker Retired Major General Marcia Anderson, Universities of Wisconsin Regent Angela Adams shared her experience during the first time she visited UW-Green Bay. “As we toured, I felt a surge of energy from the students—true Phoenix—boldly rising to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

As a First Generation college student herself, Retired Major General Anderson gave the graduating class three pieces of wisdom that helped her to be resilient in the face of adversity, “One, do not let others define who you are; two, you do not need to be perfect; and three, along the way try selflessness and give back to others. You are the author of your own story. You have the power to define who you are and what you can achieve. Lots of people told me to aim lower…embrace your uniqueness, trust in your abilities, and never let anyone else dictate your worth or potential.”  

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025!