Nearly two-thirds of Stillman College’s Class of 2025 graduates with honors
Google Vice President Melonie D. Parker addresses the 121 graduates and their many well-wishers
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — Stillman College, founded in 1876 by the Presbyterian Church, celebrated its 2025 Commencement on Saturday 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 rain on this wonderful day for the Class of 2025,” said Dr. Yolanda W. Page, the eighth president of Stillman College, 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.”
Celebrating student excellence
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.
Click here for a list of graduates
Candidates by major
Biology — 11
Business Administration — 29
Criminal Justice — 15
Childhood Education and Instructional Development — 3
English — 1
Interdisciplinary Studies — 10
History — 2
Journalism — 4
Mathematics — 3
Music — 5
Human Performance — 19
Psychology — 19
Candidates by honors
Summa Cum Laude — 16
Magna Cum Laude — 26
Cum Laude —8
Honors — 29
About Stillman College
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.
You may freely reuse and distribute this article in its entirety for non-commercial purposes in any medium. Please include author attribution, photography credits, and a link to the original article. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDeratives 4.0 International License.
