Firsts and finish lines: UTC celebrates fall 2025 commencement

Three UTC undergraduates hug and smile while holding a diploma cover on the arena floor after the ceremony.

More than 800 graduates were honored during UTC’s fall 2025 commencement ceremonies on Dec. 12-13 at McKenzie Arena. Photo by Angela Foster.

Happy tears filled the floor of McKenzie Arena as graduates gathered for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s fall 2025 commencement ceremonies.

For Safiyyah Skipworth, the moment had been more than two decades in the making. The criminal justice major from Chattanooga began her college journey in 2001, stepping away and returning multiple times as life sometimes got in the way.

“Oh my God. It’s surreal,” Skipworth said before the ceremony began. “It’s finally happening. I’m speechless.”

Standing nearby was Professor of Criminal Justice Tammy Garland, who had spent years encouraging Skipworth not to give up.

“Sophia is one of my babies,” Garland said, laughing through tears. “I feel like she is my kid. I am going to make a fool of myself today while I scream.”

The emotional exchange reflected the spirit of UTC’s fall commencement, held Dec. 12-13 at McKenzie Arena, where UTC honored more than 800 graduates across two ceremonies, marking the University’s 266th commencement.

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Click here for UTC photographer Angela Foster’s fall 2025 commencement Flickr photo gallery.

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The Graduate School commencement was held Friday afternoon, Dec. 12, honoring students earning master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. Dr. Elaine Swafford, CEO of the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy and a member of the UTC Advisory Board, served as the commencement speaker.

Undergraduate students from all UTC colleges were recognized during Saturday morning’s ceremony on Dec. 13. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp served as the featured speaker.

Both ceremonies were presided over by Chancellor Lori Bruce, marking her first commencement since assuming the role earlier this year. In her remarks, Bruce pointed to the range of paths that brought students to graduation day.

“Degrees are being awarded this semester to more than 1,111 women and men who came to UTC from 61 counties throughout Tennessee, 17 other states and 10 other countries,” Bruce said.

Bruce encouraged graduates to pause and take in the moment.

“Now, graduates, this is your day,” she said. “A day to reflect on your journey, celebrate your accomplishments, and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.”

She pointed to UTC’s motto, Faciemus—Latin for “We shall achieve”—as a reminder that success is shared.

“None of us achieves success solely on our own efforts,” Bruce said. “Each one of us achieves success because of the support from others.”

The UTC class of 2025 included:

Communication major Charles Kemp, who turned a student job on the University’s video team into a full-time position with the UT System Office of Communications and Marketing in Knoxville before graduation.
Electrical engineering major Julio Gonzalez, a first-generation college student, whose extended journey to graduation included working full time, recovering from a serious car accident and earning national recognition for research conducted with TVA.
Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Success Stacie Grisham, who balanced full-time leadership at UTC with raising two children while completing her doctoral degree.
Business administration major Shari Warren, who returned to college after four decades to finish what she started—earning her degree while working full time at TVA, recovering from heart surgery, and inspiring her children and grandchildren by proving it’s never too late to say, “I did it.”
Psychology major Kristopher Ware, whose passion for mental health led to award-winning research and a new role with Chattanooga’s Mental Health Cooperative supporting youth and families.
Computer science master’s student Daniel Duggin, who helped launch UTC’s first “AI for Everyone” course and played a key role in shaping campuswide artificial intelligence initiatives while completing both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Business administration major and U.S. Air Force veteran Durand Henderson, who found community at UTC through the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs—and plans to continue a family legacy of public service through a future career in foreign service.

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Photo gallery by Angela Foster

Close-up of a blue graduation cap reading “Next stop: PhD,” decorated with small pins, with graduates seated in rows in the background.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A graduate stands outdoors holding flowers while posing for a group photo with family members.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Chancellor Lori Bruce shakes hands with a UTC undergraduate on stage during the commencement ceremony.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Two UTC undergraduates in caps and gowns smile and take a selfie together on the arena floor after the commencement ceremony.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate raises both arms in celebration while standing among fellow graduates on the arena floor.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate wearing glasses smiles and points toward the camera while seated among fellow graduates.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A graduate in a blue cap and gown smiles and waves while standing in line with fellow graduates on the arena floor.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Person wearing red glasses smiles while holding a phone and program as other graduates stand nearby.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A graduate in a blue cap and gown smiles and waves while standing among other graduates during commencement.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Two graduates in doctoral regalia pose together, smiling, with one graduate resting hands on the other’s shoulders as graduates celebrate in the background.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate wearing a medal and stole smiles and waves while standing among fellow graduates seated in the arena

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate smiles while holding a diploma card and talking on a cellphone during the commencement ceremony.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate raises her hand and smiles while seated among fellow graduates.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate looks upward while standing among fellow graduates, wearing a cap, gown and gold stole during the ceremony.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

UTC faculty members in academic regalia process down the aisle during the undergraduate commencement ceremony.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Person in a black cap and gown smiles and claps while seated among other graduates during the ceremony.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A graduate smiles with eyes closed as faculty members applaud during the hooding ceremony.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Two faculty members place a doctoral hood on a graduate who is smiling broadly on stage.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate reacts with excitement near the stage, smiling and gesturing as she celebrates after crossing.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Graduate in a blue cap and gown raises a hand in a wave toward the camera during the ceremony.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate stands smiling among fellow graduates, looking toward the stage during the ceremony.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Family members and supporters cheer, clap and record video from the stands during the undergraduate commencement ceremony.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A wide view of UTC undergraduates seated together in blue caps and gowns during the commencement ceremony.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate smiles while holding a bouquet of flowers outdoors after the ceremony.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Two UTC undergraduates raise diploma covers in the air while talking on their phones, celebrating during the ceremony.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A faculty member places a doctoral hood on a graduate wearing a black gown during the commencement ceremony.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate smiles and waves while walking in line with fellow graduates near the stage.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC graduate stands smiling in cap and gown while family members gather around holding printed cutouts of the graduate’s portrait and bouquets of flowers.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A graduate smiles as faculty members adjust academic regalia during the doctoral hooding ceremony.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Two UTC undergraduates celebrate in the crowd, one raising her arms and cheering among fellow graduates in caps and gowns.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate stands smiling in cap and gown in front of the commencement stage, with a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga banner and campus imagery behind her.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate claps and smiles while standing in line with other graduates near the stage.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Two graduates in doctoral regalia embrace and smile while celebrating on the arena floor after the ceremony.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate wearing a stole smiles and waves while standing among fellow graduates near the stage.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC graduate hugs a family member while another person takes a photo on a cellphone outdoors after the ceremony.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate raises both arms in celebration while standing on stage after crossing during commencement.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate claps and cheers while seated among fellow graduates in caps and gowns.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC graduate hugs a guest on the arena floor during the undergraduate commencement ceremony, both smiling.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

The chancellor stands on stage wearing academic regalia and a ceremonial medallion during the commencement ceremony.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC graduate holds up a diploma cover while talking on a cellphone, smiling among a crowd of fellow graduates in caps and gowns.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Graduates in blue caps and gowns process into the ceremony, with one graduate smiling and holding up a hand gesture as others look ahead.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Graduate in a blue cap and gown smiles broadly while embracing a faculty member in academic regalia during the commencement ceremony.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate wearing a cap, gown and gold stole poses for a portrait on the arena floor as other graduates take their seats in the background.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A graduate wearing glasses smiles and claps while seated among fellow graduates in blue caps and gowns.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

The back of a decorated graduation cap featuring butterflies and the message “to grow is to change” among a sea of blue caps.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A close-up of a graduation cap decorated with rhinestones spelling out “2025” worn by a UTC undergraduate.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate smiles and waves while seated among a crowd of graduates in caps and gowns.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A graduate in a blue gown holds a young child outdoors following the ceremony.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Family members and supporters cheer and record video from the arena stands during the commencement ceremony.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A university official smiles while greeting a graduate in a blue cap and gown during commencement.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Graduate in a blue cap and gown smiles and gives a thumbs-up while standing on the arena floor.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate smiles while shaking hands with Chancellor Lori Bruce on stage during the commencement ceremony.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate stands outdoors holding a bouquet of flowers and a stuffed bear while wearing her cap, gown and stole after commencement.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate poses with a family member outdoors after commencement, holding flowers and smiling.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Graduate in a blue cap and gown stands smiling near a podium with University of Tennessee at Chattanooga signage in the background.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Graduate in a blue cap and gown raises both hands in celebration, smiling widely among seated graduates.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate seated among fellow graduates raises her hand and smiles while wearing her cap and gown.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A large group of graduates and supporters pose together on the arena floor, raising their hands and cheering after commencement.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A graduate wearing glasses smiles while speaking with a faculty member during the hooding ceremony.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A university official in academic regalia shakes hands with a graduate during the commencement ceremony.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Two graduates in doctoral regalia stand close together, smiling for a photo while holding programs on the arena floor.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A graduate in a blue cap and gown shakes hands with a university official on stage, with banners and floral arrangements in the background.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate wearing a cap, gown and gold stole poses outdoors with family members, holding a diploma cover and flowers after the ceremony.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A graduate embraces a family member holding a bouquet of red roses following the commencement ceremony.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Graduate in a blue cap and gown smiles toward the camera while seated among other graduates.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A graduate smiles broadly as faculty members adjust academic regalia during the hooding portion of commencement.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate adjusts the tassel on his cap while standing among fellow graduates on the arena floor.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

The chancellor, wearing academic regalia and a ceremonial medallion, shakes hands with a graduate on stage during commencement.

Graduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A UTC undergraduate wearing a red veteran stole raises his hand and waves while standing among fellow graduates.

Undergraduate students participate in a commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 in McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

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Photo gallery by Angela Foster

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