Ball State University celebrated the achievements of its Class of 2025 during its Spring Commencement ceremony on Saturday. Due to inclement weather, the event was moved indoors to Worthen Arena, where the University conferred approximately 2,800 degrees to graduates from its doctoral, specialist, master’s, and baccalaureate programs.
Broadway actor and Ball State alumna Kayla Davion, ’17, delivered the Commencement address, congratulating graduates on their resilience and their connection to purpose—especially those who began college during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You learned to navigate college life while still carrying the weight of what the world had just endured,” Ms. Davion said. “For some of you, you are the first in your family to graduate. Some of you work two jobs or more in order to stay enrolled, some of you set seven different alarms just to continue to press snooze, and you somehow still showed up to class—most days. Some of you battled with anxiety and grief, imposter syndrome, or the quiet fear that maybe you wouldn't make it, but you did.
“Y’all made it, and I want you to know that I see you. We all see you,” she continued. “You didn’t just make it to this moment. You earned this moment. You chose to keep going. You chose to show up, adapt, and keep learning, even when everything around you was uncertain; the decision speaks volumes about you.”
Ms. Davion, who made history as the first Ball State student to book a Broadway show before graduating, on Saturday was awarded the President’s Medal of Distinction—one of the University’s highest honors—for her artistic accomplishments and her advocacy for students in the arts.
President Geoffrey S. Mearns also addressed the graduates, encouraging them to pursue their passions.
“I hope you are inspired to know that Ball State is a university that supports students with big dreams—and also empowers our graduates with the knowledge, the relationships, and the confidence to achieve these ambitious aspirations,” he said.
President’s Medals of Distinction were also awarded this weekend to Dr. Jeffrey C. Bird and Ball State alumnus Craig W. Hartman, ’73, ArtD ’09. Dr. Bird was honored for his leadership in healthcare and his commitment to the East Central Indiana community. Mr. Hartman, a renowned architect and educator, was recognized for his environmentally responsible designs and global influence in the field.
The ceremony concluded with a performance of Ball State’s anthem, “We Fly,” by graduating seniors in the Department of Theatre and Dance. College-specific ceremonies followed at Emens Auditorium and Worthen Arena.