Our students’ success is our success
Dear DU community members,
As we approach Commencement, I find myself thinking about significant milestones, here at DU and broadly. In exactly one month, the United States will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This milestone is a reminder for our graduating students—and all of us—that progress is never linear, and each generation is called to shape the current moment with purpose, clarity, and integrity.
At DU, Commencement is both a celebration and a milestone. It is a joyful moment to honor our graduates and the many people who helped them reach this day. It is also a reminder that they are stepping into a world that needs their ideas, values, and leadership, and that they will help shape what comes next in our nation’s story.
To our faculty and staff: Thank you. Quarter after quarter, year after year, your teaching, advising, professionalism, and behind-the-scenes dedication make this annual celebration possible. You help our students build confidence, imagine their futures, and contribute to our time in history.
To this year’s graduates: Congratulations on reaching this extraordinary milestone. This moment reflects years of hard work, perseverance, growth, and the support of the people who have stood beside you along the way. We are proud of all you have accomplished, and we look forward to celebrating you and your loved ones very soon. In the meantime, take care of yourselves during these final weeks of the term, and take a moment to appreciate just how much you have achieved.
And to students still in the middle of your academic journey: Keep going. Get involved, connect with faculty mentors, and customize your DU experience in ways that stretch and sustain you. When it’s your turn to cross the stage, I hope you’ll look back knowing you lived your time here to the fullest.
There are so many wonderful stories about commencement this year, and I want to share just a few of them below. I hope they leave you feeling proud to be part of the network of care, effort, and support that helps make each student’s success possible.
As we approach Commencement, I find myself thinking about significant milestones, here at DU and broadly. In exactly one month, the United States will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This milestone is a reminder for our graduating students—and all of us—that progress is never linear, and each generation is called to shape the current moment with purpose, clarity, and integrity.
At DU, Commencement is both a celebration and a milestone. It is a joyful moment to honor our graduates and the many people who helped them reach this day. It is also a reminder that they are stepping into a world that needs their ideas, values, and leadership, and that they will help shape what comes next in our nation’s story.
To our faculty and staff: Thank you. Quarter after quarter, year after year, your teaching, advising, professionalism, and behind-the-scenes dedication make this annual celebration possible. You help our students build confidence, imagine their futures, and contribute to our time in history.
To this year’s graduates: Congratulations on reaching this extraordinary milestone. This moment reflects years of hard work, perseverance, growth, and the support of the people who have stood beside you along the way. We are proud of all you have accomplished, and we look forward to celebrating you and your loved ones very soon. In the meantime, take care of yourselves during these final weeks of the term, and take a moment to appreciate just how much you have achieved.
And to students still in the middle of your academic journey: Keep going. Get involved, connect with faculty mentors, and customize your DU experience in ways that stretch and sustain you. When it’s your turn to cross the stage, I hope you’ll look back knowing you lived your time here to the fullest.
There are so many wonderful stories about commencement this year, and I want to share just a few of them below. I hope they leave you feeling proud to be part of the network of care, effort, and support that helps make each student’s success possible.
- University of Denver Celebrates the Class of 2026
- DU Alumnus and Wireless Technology Pioneer H. Andre Thomas to Deliver Undergraduate Commencement Address
- Artist and Alumna Gail Folwell to Address DU Graduate Commencement
Sincerely,
Jeremy Haefner
Jeremy Haefner