Friends and family gathered Aug. 2 in Tuscaloosa to celebrate summer graduation for the class of 2025.
Around 1,240 students became University of Alabama graduates during summer commencement exercises at Coleman Coliseum on the UA campus. Nine college-specific ceremonies were held in total.
The summer 2025 commencement ceremonies also marked the first commencement for new UA President Peter J. Mohler, who replaced Stuart R. Belll. Bell retired as UA’s president in July after leading the Capstone for 10 years.
The University of Alabama System board of trustees approved Mohler’s hiring on June 16. Mohler is the 30th president in UA’s 194-year history.
Aug. 2, 2025; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; The University of Alabama presented 1,240 degrees during the Summer Commencement 2025 in Coleman Coliseum. New University of Alabama President Peter Mohler enters the coliseum for this first commencement at the Capstone.
During the Aug. 2 ceremony, Mohler expressed excitement to preside at his first commencement ceremony as UA president.
“Today is also a special day for me, as you know, this is my first commencement as UA president,” said Mohler as he began his remarks.
Mohler said he has recieved a warm welcome by the UA community since he began his tenure as president.
“In the last few weeks, since our arrival, my family and I have been welcomed with incredible warmth, literally, and hospitality and also humidity,” said Mohler. “It is clear that the spirit of this place … runs deep, a spirit built on tradition, a mission driven by excellence and a community powered by people with legendary influence,” he said.
During his remarks, Mohler encouraged graduates to maintain their curiosity and continue to strive for success.
“Commencement today isn’t the finish line. It’s a green light, a signal to keep learning, and seeking, and growing,” said Mohler.
Aug. 2, 2025; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; The University of Alabama presented 1,240 degrees during the Summer Commencement 2025 in Coleman Coliseum.
Mohler assured graduates and future students that their success is his top priority as UA president.
“As your new president, I want you to know that you and all UA students past, present and future are the reason I’m here,” said Mohler. “Your growth and your success will always be my highest priority,” he said.
Mohler concluded his remarks with a heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2025 followed by a “Roll Tide.”
More: By the numbers: A look at summer 2025 graduates from the University of Alabama
According to UA, the summer graduates represented 22 countries, 42 states and of 48 Alabama’s 67 counties.
The 2025 class achieved a grade point average of 3.152 on a 4.0 scale.
The class also included 202 students who earned Latin honors, 394 students who identify as minority, 403 distance-learning students, 237 first-generation college students, eight active-duty military members, 23 students who identify as veterans and 28 graduates with multiple majors.
The summer ceremonies honored graduates from Capstone College of Nursing, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Communication and Information Sciences, College of Community Health Sciences & College of Education, College Engineering, College of Human Environmental Sciences, Culverhouse College of Business, School of Law and School of Social Work.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: University of Alabama holds summer 2025 commencement
