SPC celebrates 152nd Commencement Ceremony

On May 22, 2025, St. Philip’s College celebrated its 152nd Commencement Ceremony, celebrating over 800 students who crossed the stage.

Vice President for Student Success Wesley Wells welcomed guests and led the ceremony, which began with a formal posting of the colors by the Alamo Colleges District Honor Guard the national anthem performed by Professor David Uminski.

Graduate Suzanne Meegan, a Culinary Arts major and Strada HBCU Scholar, delivered the invocation, reflecting on the graduates’ journeys.

“Lord, may you lift up this class of 2025 as we prepare to walk this stage and take the world by surprise,” she said.

St. Philip’s College President Dr. Adena Williams Loston delivered opening remarks highlighting the college’s growth of over 18,000 students and milestones of the college, including the launch of its first bachelor’s degree, the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity.

“Tonight, we add to these celebrations,” Dr. Loston said. “This commencement ceremony represents how far we’ve come since our founding in 1898 as a sewing school for the daughters and granddaughters of emancipated slaves.”

The evening included the presentation of two honorary degrees. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg was honored for his public service. A second honorary degree was awarded to Dr. Marie Pannell Thurston, a former employee and author of St. Philip’s College – A Point of Pride in San Antonio’s Eastside.

The ceremony continued with the introduction of platform guests and student leaders, followed by the commencement address delivered by graduate Christopher Sauceda.

Introduced by fellow classmate and NASA intern Paul Judkins, Christopher inspired graduates, saying, “Adversity is guaranteed, but so is your strength. Graduating doesn’t mean your story is over; it means a powerful new chapter is just beginning.”

The ceremony concluded with a benediction from graduate Justin Navarro, who offered words of encouragement and hope.

“May we strive for excellence throughout life in everything we do,” he said.

The Class of 2025 departed the ceremony as part of a 127-year legacy, ready to embrace the next chapter of their lives.