The University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to celebrate the academic achievements of more than 6,500 students during its Spring 2025 Commencement. Scheduled from May 8 to May 11, this event will honor students who have completed their bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the spring and summer semesters.
Commencement ceremonies will be spread across two prominent locations: the UNT Coliseum at 600 Avenue D and the Murchison Performing Arts Center at 2100 N. I-35 East. A full schedule and further details can be accessed at [commencement.unt.edu](https://www.unt.edu/commencement/schedule.html).
- Date: May 8-11, 2025
- Locations:
- UNT Coliseum, 600 Avenue D
- Murchison Performing Arts Center, 2100 N. I-35 East
- Additional Information: https://www.unt.edu/commencement/schedule.html
As part of the festivities, UNT is hosting a “Grad Block Party” on Friday, May 9, from 5 to 9 p.m. on the University Union South Lawn near Highland Street. This event promises an evening of free food, photo opportunities, games, and a fireworks display, open to all Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025 graduates along with their families and friends.
A noteworthy highlight of this year’s ceremonies is the graduation of the first cohort from UNT’s ELEVAR program, which is dedicated to students with intellectual disabilities. These trailblazing graduates will be honored on Friday, May 9, at 8 a.m. in the UNT Coliseum, symbolizing UNT’s commitment to inclusive education and empowering all students to achieve their academic goals.
Furthermore, this commencement will feature inspiring stories from notable graduates:
- Kevin Crawford: A U.S. Army veteran and UNT police officer, Crawford will graduate with his bachelor’s degree after returning to education with a renewed focus on supporting his children. His ceremony is on Saturday, May 10, at 4 p.m.
- Brenda Hill: After relocating to Texas and working in healthcare following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Hill returned to the classroom as an empty nester. Graduating with a degree in Applied Arts and Sciences, she plans to pursue a master’s degree, guided by her motto, “Aim high and reach beyond the stars!” Her ceremony is on Sunday, May 11, at 8 a.m.
- Madeline Blackburn: Blackburn persevered through personal and health challenges, including surviving a shooting and battling cancer, to thrive academically in Consumer Experience Management. Her advocacy for sustainability led to co-founding the Zero Waste Textile Initiative at UNT. Her ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 10, at 4 p.m.