Bowie State University Celebrates Winter 2025 Commencement, Honoring Over 450 Graduates

Keynote Address by Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley Highlights Service, Purpose and Global Impact

(BOWIE, Md.) - A spirit of pride and forward momentum filled Bowie State University's Leonidas S. James Physical Education Center on Friday, December 19, as the university celebrated its Winter 2025 Commencement. More than 450 graduates were recognized in a ceremony marking the culmination of their academic journey and the beginning of new professional and personal chapters.

During the ceremony, 353 undergraduate students, 98 master's degree candidates, and 20 doctoral students crossed the stage. The celebration reflected Bowie State's 160-year legacy of academic excellence, access and community impact.

Bowie State University President Dr. Aminta H. Breaux encouraged graduates to look forward with optimism. "Use the achievements and progress you have been a part of to inspire confidence that you have everything you need to achieve. Among the skills we want every graduate to take with you is the skill to be a lifelong learner and an entrepreneurial thinker, thirsting for new knowledge, creating new ideas and forging your own path if some unforeseen obstacle dares to get in your way."

Nationally renowned pastor and champion for justice, Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, urged graduates to look beyond titles and salaries and consider how their education can uplift others. Drawing on lessons of identity, resilience and responsibility, he encouraged students to confidently use their degrees to open doors and serve their communities. He challenged graduates to lead with excellence and authenticity.

"Take this degree and show them who you are," said Dr. Wesley, senior pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia.

The ceremony also highlighted powerful stories of perseverance and legacy. Lisandra Rodriguez-Cole, former parliamentarian of the Graduate Student Association, was recognized for completing her Master of Arts in Human Resource Development while battling stage 4 breast cancer. Additionally, three members of the Wright-Wooten-Clay family were honored for earning Bowie State degrees across three generations over the past decade.

Student speaker Yassine Kamara, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration, reflected on his Bowie State experience and plans to pursue an MBA in healthcare management.

"Bowie State taught me the value of perseverance and the courage to pivot when needed," Kamara said. "Those lessons will stay with me far beyond graduation."

Winter 2025 Commencement stands as a testament to Bowie State University's enduring mission to prepare graduates not only for professional success but for leadership, service and meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. Learn more about our Winter Class of 2025 graduates.

View photos from the 2025 Winter Commencement

View a livestream of the 2025 Winter Commencement below

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the 'Research College and University' designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stacie Burgess, [email protected], 301-860-4311