Stillman College Celebrates Class of 2025

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Stillman College celebrated its 2025 Commencement on Saturday, May 10, honoring the achievements of 121 graduates, over 65% of whom earned honors. The ceremony, which took place in Birthright Alumni Hall due to inclement weather, underscored the institution’s dedication to academic excellence and featured a significant partnership with Google, which contributed a generous $30,000 gift to the college.

Dr. Yolanda W. Page, the eighth president of Stillman College, kicked off the ceremony with a spirited address, stating, “We are not going to let this rain rain on this wonderful day for the Class of 2025,” setting an uplifting tone for the event.

The class, consisting of 43 male and 78 female graduates, celebrated not just their achievements but also a message of resilience and adaptability, pivotal qualities they are encouraged to carry into their future endeavors.

Melonie D. Parker, Google’s Vice President of Employee Engagement, delivered the commencement address, reflecting on Stillman’s historic ability to overcome obstacles. Parker emphasized that the college's existence illustrates that challenges serve as invitations for innovation and perseverance rather than obstacles.

“Stillman by its very existence tells you challenges are not stop signs. Challenges are invitations to innovate, to persevere, to build something meaningful, even when the path seems unclear,” Parker remarked, urging graduates to carry on the legacy of resilience passed down from generations of Stillmanites who faced various trials.

In recognition of her contributions to leadership and support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Parker was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters during the ceremony. She also presented the $30,000 unrestricted gift from Google, highlighting the synergy between Google’s mission and that of Stillman College in fostering academic excellence and empowering diverse communities.

The event also showcased standout students, with Amarachi Okafor, the valedictorian, reflecting on the significance of community and perseverance in her speech. Her sister, Chinazam Okafor, the salutatorian, introduced Parker, exemplifying the leadership nurtured at Stillman.

As the Class of 2025 embarks on their new journeys, Stillman College reaffirms its mission to empower leaders for change, aided by partnerships like the one with Google, ensuring that future generations of Stillmanites are well-prepared to thrive in a dynamic world.