Mars Hill University Confers Degrees on 198 Spring Graduates

May 10, 2025

“Resilience, Commitment, and Risk-Taking” Mark Spring 2025 Commencement

Caroline Rizzo a political science major and a Heritage Student from Flagler Beach, Florida, receives her diploma from President Tony Floyd

“Our legacy is not defined by any one moment. It’s a collection of experiences, struggles, victories, and growth we’ve all shared together,” Mars Hill University graduate Braxton Robinson told his fellow graduates during the university’s spring commencement ceremony. This sentiment of shared accomplishment defined the day as the university conferred degrees on 198 graduates on Saturday, May 10, 2025, marking one of the largest graduating classes in several years.

Thirty-one graduates received master’s degrees, while 167 students were awarded bachelor’s degrees. The undergraduate degrees presented were the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Bachelor of Social Work. Graduate degrees were the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, and Master of Management.

In a special nod to university tradition, several members of the Class of 1975, returning for their 50-year reunion, led the procession of graduates into the auditorium and were recognized on stage during the ceremony.

Robinson, a psychology major from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, delivered the student address representing the traditional undergraduate students. He reflected on three pillars that shaped his class’s legacy at Mars Hill: resilience, commitment, and risk-taking. “We started this journey in the midst of uncertainty,” he said. “And yet here we are, stronger than we ever thought possible. Through a global pandemic, political turmoil, and natural disasters, we didn’t just survive—we persevered.”

Lindsey Sparks, a social work major from Bakersville, North Carolina, gave the student address representing the Adult and Graduate Studies program. She shared her personal journey of overcoming educational challenges to earn her degree. “We all know that great accomplishments come with great challenges, but it’s the strength and support of community that helps us overcome this,” Sparks said. She credited Mars Hill’s faculty and her internship experience with helping her find her calling in end-of-life care.

Braxton Robinson, a psychology major from Murfreesboro, North Carolina, delivers a student address.

“Class of 2025, as you move forward in your journey, remember that the power of community, personal dedication, and gratitude are important,” Sparks advised her classmates. “And as I have learned, sometimes even the smallest of choices can lead to your identity.”

Robinson similarly encouraged graduates to carry forward the qualities that defined their time at the university: “As we leave Mars Hill, let us carry with us the same resilience, commitment, and courage that defined us here. The world beyond these gates will test us, but I have no doubt in my mind that the class of 2025 will rise to every challenge.”

The ceremony began with an invocation by Nic Varner, an English major from Spruce Pine, North Carolina. William Pooser, a music performance major from Asheville, North Carolina, provided special music for the occasion, performing alongside several members of the Mars Hill percussion ensemble.

In the days leading up to commencement, several recognition ceremonies honored graduates from specific programs. Graduates in the natural sciences program were recognized with a Lab Coat Ceremony, while those in the allied health sciences program participated in a White Coat Ceremony. Nursing program graduates were honored with a traditional Pinning Ceremony, and heritage students—those who have a parent or other family member who also attended Mars Hill—were celebrated in a Heritage Student Cording Ceremony.

More photos from commencement