On December 19, 2025, Morgan State University hosted its 12th Annual Fall Commencement, marking a historic moment with what might be the largest fall graduating class ever—600+ students crossing the stage to receive their degrees. From bachelor's to doctorates, these graduates from Maryland's top public urban research university are ready to make their mark.
Record-Breaking Achievements and Academic Milestones
This year's class showcased Morgan State's growing reputation in research and education. With 34 new doctoral recipients, the university awarded a total of 94 doctorates in 2025—combining spring and fall ceremonies. This progress is pushing Morgan closer to earning the prestigious R1 Carnegie classification for very high research activity. Plus, the 134 master's graduates represent a whopping 42.5% jump from last fall, setting a new record for the largest master's group in the event's history.
"Do something more with your degree than just make a living—make a life.“
Inspiring Words from Keynote Speaker Sen. Raphael Warnock
The ceremony reached new heights with U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock as the keynote speaker. As the senior pastor of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church and Georgia's first African American senator, Warnock delivered a powerful message urging graduates to embrace service and courage in a complex world.
He emphasized the need for young voices to challenge the status quo, saying we need their spirit and perspective to bridge ideals and reality. Drawing from civil rights pioneer Benjamin Elijah Mays' poem "I’ve Only Just a Minute," Warnock encouraged the class to make every moment count and build legacies that outlast their lifetimes. "Do something more with your degree than just make a living—make a life," he advised, reminding them to think big and persevere as beacons of light.
Warnock, along with Dean Emeritus DeWayne Wickham of Morgan's School of Global Journalism and Communication, received honorary doctorates—Public Service for Warnock and Humane Letters for Wickham—for their dedication to justice and community uplift.
Honoring Excellence and Future Leaders
Several standout graduates were recognized with Presidential Awards. Amon Anderson (B.S., Information Systems), Schuyler Cameron (B.S., Health Education), and Emmanuel O. Fadipe (M.S., Project Management) earned the President’s Second Mile Award for leadership. Tavon Thomasson (B.S., Multimedia Journalism) and Kofi Simmons (B.S., Interdisciplinary Global Perspectives and Practices) received the Award for Exceptional Creative Achievement.
The event also celebrated two new U.S. Army second lieutenants from Morgan's Bear Battalion ROTC: Christian Gatlin (B.S., Business Administration) and Daylan Stubblefield (B.A., Political Science), commissioned just the day before.
Graduates shared heartfelt reflections on their journeys. Laila Amin, with her B.S. in Industrial Engineering, described Morgan as a family that offered top HBCU engineering opportunities and lifelong bonds. Andrea Poku, graduating with a B.S. in Architecture and Environmental Design, highlighted the rollercoaster of experiences and connections that prepared her for future success.
About the Keynote Speaker, Raphael Warnock
Raphael Gamaliel Warnock, born July 23, 1969, in Savannah, Georgia, is an American politician and Baptist pastor serving as the junior U.S. Senator from Georgia since 2021. Raised in public housing as the 11th of 12 children of Pentecostal pastors, he was the first in his family to graduate college, earning a B.A. from Morehouse College, followed by advanced degrees including a Ph.D. from Union Theological Seminary. Since 2005, he has been senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, once led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
About Morgan State University
Founded in 1867, Morgan State University is Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University. Known for its rich legacy, diverse community, and commitment to academic excellence, Morgan offers over 150 degree programs and is advancing toward distinguished research classification status.
