pan of the commencement audience at Wallace Wade Stadium
Duke trustee, alumnus and basketball star Grant Hill delivers his address to new Duke graduates Sunday in Wallace Wade Stadium. Photo by Bill Snead/University Communications and Marketing

Commencement Weekend 2025: A Photo Essay

Speaker Grant Hill entertained the students with lessons from basketball, life and his mother, encouraging the students to act on their beliefs: “Values are a verb,” Hill said. To watch the full ceremony, visit Duke’s YouTube channel. More stories, photos and video from Commencement Weekend will appear on the Duke Commencement website.

Three female new graduates hug and smile at the conclusion of the Commencement ceremony.
Three new graduates hug and smile at the conclusion of the Commencement ceremony.

The mortarboard caps get tossed into the air.
The mortarboard caps get tossed into the air.
Student singing group Deja Blue sings during a tribute to the Duke Centennial.
Student singing group Deja Blue performs during a tribute to the Duke Centennial.
Trustee Grant Hill calls out to the student audience as he processes into the stadium with trustee chair Adam Silver and President Vincent Price.
Trustee Grant Hill calls out to the student audience as he processes into the stadium with trustee chair Adam Silver and President Vincent Price.

Photos by Bill Snead and Jared Lazarus of University Communications and Marketing.

Baccalaureate Ceremony

A grand part of the Commencement Weekend tradition, the Baccalaureate Ceremony honored the students during two Duke Chapel services on Friday.

Students cheer as they proceed out of the ceremony.
Students cheer to friends and family as they proceed out of the ceremony.
Duke Chapel Dean Luke Powery greets the audience as he leads the Baccalaureate procession.
Duke Chapel Dean Luke Powery greets the audience as he leads the Baccalaureate procession.
Campus Rabbi Elana Friedman hugs a student outside of Duke Chapel.
Campus Rabbi Elana Friedman hugs a student outside of Duke Chapel.

Baccalaureate photos by Karen Huang/Duke Chapel.