On the morning of Commencement the graduates gathered to line up for their final walk together past Rocky the Bulldog, patting him on the head for good luck.
The event was presided over by Chancellor Kimberly van Noort, who acknowledged in her remarks the greater than average obstacles to these student's graduation path.
“We recognize the long and challenging road it has been for them, especially during this last year of their college journey. Hurricane Helene impacted us all, and we had to overcome so much to be here today," van Noort said.
"In my many years of working in higher education, I have never seen the kind of resolve and resilience that these students and this campus displayed. You should all be proud of what you have accomplished."
Graduates also heard remarks from Roger Aiken, chair of the UNC Asheville Board of Trustees; Liv Barefoot, president of the Student Government Association for the 2024-25 academic year; Joel Ford, member of the UNC Board of Governors; Tarek Erlewein, Manly E. Wright award recipient; and honorary degree recipient Bruce Goforth.
Goforth, a former member of the NC House of Representatives and a contractor by trade, spoke about the importance of building - not just physical construction, but community-building.
"Let me leave you with one simple idea: Be useful. Be the one who builds bridges of communication. Build relationships. Be the one who lifts others up. Be the one who leaves things better than you found them," Goforth said.
"To the class of 2025, you are walking into a world that needs your voice, your mind, and your heart," Goforth said. "A world that’s messy, complex, and — yes — beautiful. You don’t need to solve all of it. But you do need to care. To contribute."
Leading up to Commencement, new graduates were also honored with special ceremonies and celebrations throughout the week.
You can relive the full ceremony (or skip ahead to cheer for your favorite graduate again!) via the live-stream recording:
© 2026 UNC Asheville
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