Rocky Mount, NC - North Carolina Wesleyan University celebrated its 85th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 4, 2025, at the Rocky Mount Event Center. The ceremony recognized the accomplishments of over 360 graduates, as more than 2,000 attendees gathered to mark this momentous milestone in the lives of the Class of 2025.
University Chaplain Rev. Edwin Ferguson opened the proceedings with an invocation, followed by a stirring performance of the National Anthem by alumna Latisha Scott '06. NC Wesleyan President Dr. Evan D. Duff then welcomed the crowd and addressed the graduating class.
"Your degree is provided by an institution which seeks not only to dispense knowledge and develop the habits for lifelong learning, but also expects its graduates to be responsible citizens, contributors to the common good and individuals who care about others," Duff said. "As we celebrate together, we acknowledge the obligations all of us have to help bring about a better world."
Keynote Speaker and Honorary Degree
This year's keynote address was delivered by Mr. Danijel Velicki, an entrepreneur and financial educator who immigrated to the United States from Croatia in 1995 with just $40. Velicki, founder of Opus Wealth Strategies and the financial education platform Sqwire, shared a message of resilience, ambition, and service.
"Success is not about comfort. Growth does not happen when you play it safe," Velicki advised. "Be bold in your dreams. Be relentless in your pursuits. Be kind in your interactions. The world is waiting for the unique imprint that each of you will leave — and I have no doubt it will be extraordinary."
For his achievements and contributions to education and entrepreneurship, Velicki was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree by the University's Board of Trustees.
Student and Faculty Honors
Dr. Doreen Thierauf, Associate Professor of English, was honored with the 2025 Exemplary Teacher Award, recognizing her dynamic classroom leadership, research excellence, and commitment to student success.
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, given for leadership, character, and service to others, was presented to Andrea Belen Rizzo, a Biology and Environmental Science graduate from Argentina. Rizzo distinguished herself through her campus leadership and community involvement, and she will be continuing her education at Texas A&M University in a Ph.D. program for Marine Biology.
Psychology graduate Anna Elizabeth Ray received the 2025 President's Cup Award. A member of the Cross Country team, Resident Advisor, and campus leader, Ray earned the University's highest undergraduate honor for academic excellence and character.
Honoring the Memory of Matthew Clemmons
In one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony, the University posthumously awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology to Matthew Clemmons, a beloved member of the NCWU football team who passed away in September 2021. Matthew was known for his kindness, work ethic, and leadership, and was on the Dean's List and set to be inducted into the Student Leadership Society.
Twelve members of Clemmons' family, friends, and his former coach were in attendance to accept the degree in his memory.
"Matthew was the kind of young man who brought joy to everyone around him," said Director of Athletics Aaron Denton. "He exemplified what it means to be a Bishop — hardworking, compassionate, and full of potential."
Head Football Coach Jeff Filkovski echoed those sentiments, adding: "Matthew was a special soul. He had a bright future ahead and left a lasting impression on our program and our hearts. It was only fitting that we honor his memory and celebrate what he meant to our team and our University."
Looking Ahead
The event concluded with the conferring of degrees and celebration of the Class of 2025's accomplishments. The ceremony was live streamed and is available for viewing on the NCWU website and official Facebook page.
