Wright State celebrates more than 1,000 graduates at fall 2025 commencement

More than 1,000 students celebrated the culmination of years of hard work during Wright State University’s fall 2025 commencement ceremonies at the Nutter Center on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13.

The 1,015 graduates joined more than 125,000 alumni who are making a difference throughout Raider Country, across Ohio, the nation and the world.

Both commencement ceremonies featured a congratulatory video message from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and an inspiring address by Wright State President Sue Edwards, Ph.D.

“Go out there be absolutely brilliant and show the world what Wright State Raiders are absolutely made of,” said Edwards.

Wright State’s summer and fall classes of 2025 included graduates with 481 bachelor’s degrees, 450 master’s degrees, 42 doctoral degrees and 36 associate degrees.

The classes featured 264 international students from 19 different countries. India boasts the highest number of international graduates, with 200.

The youngest graduating student is 19-year-old Elyse Coate, who earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership.

“My parents were really smart and put me through CCP in high school,” said Coate.

At 67, Dena Neal is the class’ oldest graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.

“I’ve watched many graduates cross that stage and it’s a great feeling to do it myself,” said Neal, a retired Wright State police officer who now works part-time in the Public Safety Service Center.