May 19, 2025
New Orleans, Louisiana– Tulane University’s Class of 2025 brought their academic journey to a spirited and heartfelt close on Saturday, May 17, during a Hollywood-themed Unified Commencement ceremony held at the Caesars Superdome. The celebration marked the culmination of years of academic rigor and resilience — and featured Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph as keynote speaker.
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This year’s ceremony marked a return to the Superdome for the first time since 2019, following a series of renovations that had temporarily relocated the event. With more than 2,000 graduates and over 11,000 family members and guests in attendance, the milestone celebration also featured music, second-lining, confetti, and personalized parasols — all hallmarks of a New Orleans-style send-off.
Tulane President Michael A. Fitts opened the event by drawing inspiration from classic films, likening life to a movie full of challenges, drama, and unexpected victories. Inviting mascot Riptide onstage as the “director,” Fitts guided graduates through cinematic lessons from Inside Out, Apollo 13, and Jaws, emphasizing emotional resilience, creative problem-solving, and the value of persistence in the face of failure.
“Even something that appears to have gone horribly wrong can become a huge success,” Fitts said. “The difference is persistence… Failure doesn’t have to be final.”
Fitts’ message set the stage for keynote speaker Sheryl Lee Ralph, who delivered a powerful and personal address. The Abbott Elementary star reflected on Tulane’s legacy and praised the Class of 2025 as “unstoppable, unshakable, undeniable.”
“When I told my cast members at Abbott Elementary, Quinta Brunson said, ‘Oh my God, Tulane. It’s not just a university. It’s a special place,’” Ralph shared. “That’s when I realized Tulane isn’t just a school. It’s a living, breathing testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of community.”
Ralph encouraged graduates to use their education to lead with purpose across disciplines — from public health to the arts.
“The world needs people who will raise their hand and raise their voice,” she said. “Don’t shrink to fit into places that can’t handle your brilliance.”
Following her remarks, President Fitts presented Ralph with the Tulane President’s Medal, honoring her achievements as an artist and advocate, especially her work supporting HIV/AIDS awareness and public education.
Ralph, who portrays the beloved character Barbara Howard on Abbott Elementary, won the 2022 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She has since earned multiple nominations and accolades, including a Critics’ Choice Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and recognition from major institutions like the NAACP and SAG.
The ceremony also featured a compelling student address by psychology and health & wellness major Devin Goldman. A New York native, Goldman spoke candidly about overcoming personal loss during her time at Tulane and shared how mentorship, service, and community shaped her college experience. She honored three classmates — Lindsay Wiener, Caleb Connor, and Ralph Adedeji — who passed away before graduating.
“We are learning. Changing. Thriving. And now, the world awaits us,” Goldman told her peers. “Remember your story. Use it. Be audacious. And spread your joy.”
Tulane also recognized four distinguished faculty members during the event. Catherine O’Connor from the School of Social Work and Randy Sparks from the School of Liberal Arts received the 2025 President’s Awards for Excellence in Graduate and Professional Teaching. The Suzanne and Stephen Weiss Presidential Fellowship for Undergraduate Education was awarded to Jacquelyn Thoni Howard and Katherine Raymond for their commitment to undergraduate teaching and mentorship.
The evening was capped off with a New Orleans-style celebration. Graduates paraded through the Superdome with hand-decorated green and blue umbrellas — symbols of their Tulane journey. These parasols, first given to students as freshmen, were adorned with memorabilia and personal flair, providing a colorful visual tribute to the growth, diversity, and creativity of the Class of 2025.
As Tulane’s newest alumni prepare for the next chapter, they leave emboldened by the wisdom of leaders, educators, and artists who reminded them to be brave, authentic, and resilient — qualities that will serve them well as they take center stage in the world beyond.
