Samford University held six commencement ceremonies on May 2-3, where more than 1,400 students walked the stage and received their degrees.
“Please know how very proud of you we are,” said President Beck A. Taylor. “Samford is a better university because you were here.”
Ceremonies for Beeson Divinity School, Brock School of Business, Orlean Beeson School of Education and College of Health Sciences undergraduates took place on May 2. They were followed the next day by ceremonies for Howard College of Arts and Sciences, the School of the Arts and College of Health Sciences graduate students. President Beck A. Taylor presided over each one.
This commencement season marked the first year that former Birmingham-Southern College students who transferred to Samford graduated. One of those students, law and history major Langston Strawbridge, received the Bell Tower Award. The award is presented at the discretion of the university president to individuals of noteworthy service or achievement. This is the first time the award has been presented to a graduating student. Strawbridge was recognized for founding the BSC Advisory Council, a student resource for all students who transitioned from Birmingham-Southern to Samford.
“Langston did far more to serve his fellow BSC students and the university than I could have ever asked. Ultimately, he and his BSC colleagues formed the new transfer students’ association, which will serve Samford and its students for years to come. Langston embodies the mission of Samford,” said President Taylor.
Three other awards were presented to students throughout the proceedings: the President’s Cup, the Velma Wright Irons Award, and the John C. Pittman Spirit Award.
Bailey Baxter, a communication sciences and disorders major from the School of Health Professions, was awarded the President’s Cup, which goes to the graduating student with the highest grade point average. Annie Kelley, a history major from Howard College of Arts and Sciences, received the Velma Wright Irons Award for attaining the second-highest grade point average.
The Class of 2025 featured four winners of the Pittman Spirit Award, which is awarded to students who consistently exhibit Christian character in community life:
- Jon Thomas Cooley (McWhorter School of Pharmacy)
- James Jefferson (Howard College of Arts and Sciences)
- Annie Kelley (Howard College of Arts and Sciences)
- Amelia Palmer (Howard College of Arts and Sciences)
Read more about some of the individual ceremonies below:
Howard College of Arts and Sciences and School of the Arts
