CAHNR Commencement 2025: A Day of Pride, Celebration, and New Beginnings
On May 10, 2025, more than 600 students from UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) reached a major academic milestone as they officially became UConn graduates. Students were celebrated in true CAHNR fashion, with a horse processional, performance by student acapella singers, and a visit from both Jonathan XIV and XV. With cheers from family, friends, faculty, and staff, the graduates commemorated years of commitment and growth at the 146th Commencement.
A Moment of Connection and Tradition
The festivities began with a celebratory reception at the Student Union, offering graduates and their guests a chance to reconnect and reflect on their time at UConn. Soon after, the group gathered at the Field House to prepare for the traditional procession to the main event.
In a much-loved revival of a pre-pandemic tradition, horses from CAHNR’s equine program led graduates along Hillside Road to Gampel Pavilion, setting the tone for the special ceremony ahead.
A Ceremony to Remember
Inside Gampel Pavilion, CAHNR faculty and staff joined the graduates for a ceremony filled with encouragement, reflection, and celebration. The event featured remarks from student speaker Eliza Demiri ’25 (Allied Health Sciences) and keynote speaker Rodney Butler ’99 (BUS), Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.
Butler expressed the value students can find in being open to where life takes them, whether it is anticipated or not:
“It’s important to understand in live how much your paths can and will change, regardless of what you plan for. Life rarely follows a straight path, and often the directions we didn’t plan for lead to the most meaningful destinations.”
The program was hosted by Kristen Govoni, associate dean for academic programs, and included additional remarks from Dean Chaubey, Prvosot D’Alleva, and other CAHNR leadership.
Cheers to the Future
As the ceremony concluded, the celebration continued outside Gampel Pavilion, where graduates gathered with family and friends to capture the moment with photos and plenty of smiles.
The Class of 2025 leaves UConn with a wealth of knowledge, a foundation of real-world experiences, and lasting memories from their time in CAHNR. Wherever their journeys take them next, their future is bright and their UConn roots remain strong.
Other CAHNR Commencement Coverage
Learn more about some of our featured graduates and this year’s Commencement speaker, Rodney Butler ’99.
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