A person looks forward during commencement

In photos: BGSU Spring 2025 Commencement

Bowling Green State University honored its more than 2,500 graduates during Spring 2025 Commencement, marking their achievements as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Families, loved ones and supporters joined in the celebration, offering cheers and heartfelt applause during the ceremonies on May 2 and 3.

Saturday's ceremonies featured MLB great and former BGSU baseball player Orel Hershiser as the Commencement speaker. During the 2 p.m. ceremony, Hershiser was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in leadership studies. His message to graduates!

University photographers and videographers Craig Bell, Justin Camuso-Stall '14 and Haven Conn '22, along with student Keira Ellenberger, captured the momentous 312th BGSU Commencement and the excitement of the new generation of BGSU alumni. Relive the event! 

To view more special moments from BGSU Spring 2025 Commencement, visit the public photo galleries to view and download additional photos.

Friday, May 2

Saturday, May 3

Graduates celebrate during commencement
A graduate waves to the crowd
A graduate jumps before receiving diploma

President’s Award Ceremony

Spring 2025 commencement began with the President’s Award Ceremony, honoring undergraduate students who earned a perfect 4.0 GPA. Students were presented with a medallion and orange graduation cap.

A graduate shakes hands with BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers
A student embraces BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers
A student admires her medallion
Students during the BGSU President’s Award Ceremony
A graduate holding his orange graduation cap stands with his supporters

Doctoral Hooding and Graduate College Ceremony

On May 2, BGSU honored more than 530 graduates receiving master’s and doctoral degrees.

Graduates hold up their diploma covers
A graduate smiles crossing the stage
A graduate is hooded during Commencement ceremony
A graduate shakes hands with BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers
A graduate holds up her diploma cover
A graduate celebrates after receiving diploma

Undergraduate Ceremony

More than 2,000 undergraduate students received their diplomas on Saturday during three Commencement ceremonies at the BGSU Stroh Center.

A graduate wearing Freddie’s mascot shoes points at the camera
BGSU graduates embrace
A smiling graduate holds diploma cover over their head
Supporters cheer from the stands
A graduate walks toward the stage
Construction management graduates
A graduate celebrates as they approach the stage
A graduate embraces a faculty member
A graduate tips his grad cap

Honorary degree

BGSU awarded former Falcons baseball player and MLB great Orel Hershiser with an honorary doctorate degree in leadership studies, recognizing the grit and determination he has embodied throughout his baseball and entrepreneurial career. 

Orel Hershiser is hooded during Spring 2025 Commencement
Orel Hershiser shakes hands with President Rodney K. Rogers
Orel Hershiser at BGSU Spring 2025 Commencement
Orel Hershiser speaks at a podium

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Media Contact | Michael Bratton | mbratto@bgsu.edu | 419-372-6349

Updated: 05/06/2025 09:20AM