Recap: Commencement at Sanford-A Rite of Passage, Georgia Style

Celebrating the Class of 2025—A Bright Future Begins Here.

This week ended on a high note—under a bright spring sky in Sanford Stadium—as we celebrated the graduation of another class of University of Georgia students.

Commencement today looks nothing like it did when I crossed the stage years ago. It’s less formal now, more festive—equal parts ceremony and celebration. But that evolution feels right. Graduation is a moment to mark both achievement and possibility, a pivot from one chapter of life to the next.

There’s something uniquely Georgia about it all. UGA holds a special place in the hearts of people across this state, and you can feel that in the energy of the crowd, in the pride of families, and in the joy of students stepping into their future.

To our graduates: you carry with you the spirit of this place, and I wish you every success as you make your way forward. And to the next class of freshmen: we’ll see you soon. Your journey is just beginning.