Stillman College, founded in 1876 by the Presbyterian Church, celebrated its 2025 commencement this year as 65% of graduates earned honors, showcasing the institution’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
The ceremony, held in Birthright Alumni Hall due to inclement weather, celebrated 121 graduates and highlighted the growing partnership between Stillman and Google, which presented a $30,000 gift to the college.
“We are not going to let this rain on this wonderful day for the Class of 2025,” Dr. Yolanda W. Page, the eighth president of Stillman College, said to an excited crowd to begin the ceremony.
The energy-filled ceremony, which lasted less than two hours, marked a transformative moment for the Class of 2025, consisting of 43 male and 78 female graduates. A recurring theme throughout the program was resilience and adaptability, traits the graduates will carry forward into their future endeavors.
Google’s Vice President of Employee Engagement, Melonie D. Parker, delivered a commencement address that reflected on Stillman’s history and its ability to navigate challenges and thrive.
“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 said.
She encouraged graduates to carry forward the legacy of past Stillmanites who overcame financial strains, fluctuating enrollment and civil rights battles, emphasizing that their resilience led to meaningful progress.
“Stillman endured. It adapted. It found new strength,” Parker said. “This wasn’t just institutional survival. It was a demonstration of what a committed community can achieve.”
In recognition of her impactful contributions to leadership and her unwavering support of HBCUs, Parker was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters by Page and Board of Trustees Chairman Joe Hampton. Additionally, Parker presented a $30,000 unrestricted gift to Stillman on behalf of Google.
“The partnership between Stillman College and Google is one rooted in a shared mission and vision,” Parker said. “At Google, we strive to make information universally accessible and useful, and this aligns perfectly with Stillman College’s mission to foster academic excellence and empower diverse populations for leadership and service.”
Class of 2025 valedictorian Amarachi Okafor delivered heartfelt senior reflections, underscoring the importance of community and perseverance. Her sister, Chinazam Okafor, salutatorian, introduced Parker as the keynote speaker.
Nine distinguished members of the Class of 1975 were honored as the Golden Class during their 50th reunion celebration, recognizing their enduring connection to Stillman College and their lifelong contributions to its legacy.
The ceremony also featured musical performances by the Stillman College Choir and Band. The Rev. Vernon Swift of Elizabeth Baptist Church offered the invocation, while the Rev. Dr. Joseph Scrivner, dean of chapel at Stillman College, delivered the benediction.
As members of the Class of 2025 embark on their journeys, Stillman College remains steadfast in its mission to empower leaders for change. The continued support from partners like Google ensures that future generations of Stillmanites will thrive in an ever-changing world.
Stillman College, an accredited, four-year liberal arts institution in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs and is committed to providing a transformative educational experience. A historically Black college and university (HBCU) founded in 1876 by the Presbyterian Church, Stillman has a rich history of educating students from various backgrounds and promoting academic excellence. The college is dedicated to developing critical thinkers and leaders who will make significant contributions to their communities. For more information about Stillman College, go here.
Stillman College, Presbyterian News Service (Click here to read original PNS Story)
Let us join in prayer for:
Elaine Stepp, Operations Reconciliation Specialist, Presbyterian Foundation
Tim Stepp, Associate Director, Internal Audit, Administrative Services Group (A Corp)
Let us pray:
God our Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer and friend, through Christ you demonstrate, in fullness, the depth of your love. May we reflect his compassion, which permeated all his actions, as we serve. Amen.
