Published on May 5, 2025 by Catherine Smith and Kameron Brown  

On Friday, May 2, in the Pete Hanna Center, Samford University’s Brock School of Business and Orlean Beeson School of Education recognized over 330 graduates who either earned a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree during their spring commencement ceremony.   

Samford President Beck A. Taylor offered welcoming remarks. Barbara H. Cartledge, assistant professor in Brock School of Business, and Steven T. Jones, John W. Gay Professor of Banking and Finance and Chair in Brock School of Business provided the opening invocation and scripture reading, respectively. Dean of Orlean Beeson School of Education, Anna McEwan, provided the introduction of the 2025 commencement address speaker, Clara E. Gerhardt, Distinguished Beeson Professor and Character Scholar in Residence in Orlean Beeson School of Education. 

In her commencement address to the Class of 2025, Gerhardt welcomed graduates, families and faculty with sincere appreciation for the collective effort that brought students to this milestone. She reminded graduates that this day reflects not only personal achievement but also the investment of a supportive community: “For every individual’s success, there is a group of caring supporters who made it happen.” 

Rooted in the values of community, compassion and love, her message encouraged graduates to reflect on what they hope to do with their “one wild and precious life,” quoting poet Mary Oliver. Drawing from scripture, including Ephesians 2:10 and 1 Corinthians 13:13, she emphasized that faith, character and purpose are essential components of a meaningful career and life. 

Gerhardt acknowledged life’s unpredictability, comparing it to a tapestry whose full design often isn’t clear until later. She encouraged the class to move forward with clarity, humility, and a sense of responsibility—“Go forth with intentionality... above all, do so with compassion, humility, and love.” 

The degrees were presented by Samford Senior Associate Provost Marci Johns and conferred by President Taylor. 

In the weeks and days leading up to commencement, Brock School of Business and Orlean Beeson School of Education both held awards ceremonies honoring their graduates.    

View the 2025 Commencement Program 

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.