More than 1,500 students graduated from Appalachian State University during the Fall 2025 Commencement ceremonies held on December 12 at Holmes Convocation Center in Boone, North Carolina. The university hosted three separate ceremonies to honor both undergraduate and graduate students who completed their degrees despite challenges such as a global pandemic and a natural disaster.
A total of 1,549 students applied to graduate this fall, including 1,342 undergraduates from seven colleges and schools and 207 graduate students from the Williams School of Graduate Studies. Among these were 12 doctoral candidates. The graduating class represented a wide range of backgrounds, with students coming from 86 North Carolina counties, 23 states, and 25 countries. Ages ranged from 19 to 67 years old. There were also notable groups within the class: 514 first-generation graduates, 38 military-affiliated graduates, and 31 student-athlete graduates.
Chancellor Heather Norris presided over the events while Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Neva J. Specht presented the candidates for graduation. Alumni C. Philip Byers ’85—a member of the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors—and Jamie Harris ’84—secretary of App State’s Board of Trustees—delivered remarks on behalf of their respective boards.
“Today is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for all of you. You are equipped with the knowledge, skills and relationships to thrive in a world that is ever-changing and that is also full of promise and opportunity,” said Norris. “Your App State education has prepared you to excel in your chosen fields and to make meaningful and important contributions to communities large and small around the world.”
Byers added: “Today, we celebrate you — the graduates — who have achieved a significant milestone in your lives. You’re leaving Appalachian State University with the tools you need for what comes next — and the possibilities are endless.”
Harris remarked: “I have interviewed and hired lots of people through the years — there is a determination and winning spirit at App State that is unique and special. Our graduates are hardworking, humble and care about people. That is a special combination — and this is why our graduates excel everywhere they go.”
During two ceremonies, Chancellor Norris awarded honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees to Barbara Freiman and G.A. Sywassink for their longstanding support to Appalachian State University.
Norris said about Freiman: “Barbara Freiman has enriched our campus’s cultural, intellectual and human dimensions, and her impact will be felt for generations. She represents the very best of what we hope to inspire in our students and alumni: A life lived in thoughtful service to others, driven by conviction and compassion.”
Freiman has supported various university programs since her first gift in 1989—including endowments for scholarships—and previously served as executive director at Caldwell Community College’s foundation.
Regarding Sywassink’s contributions, Norris stated: “G.A.’s many years of contributing to society and the welfare of humankind, his distinguished success in his professional life and his distinguished service to the Walker College of Business and Appalachian State University demonstrate the lasting spirit of generosity, service to others and commitment to excellence that we strive to instill in our students.”
Sywassink has provided funding for scholarships as well as facilities improvements at Walker College since the early 1990s.
At one ceremony alumnus Byers recognized Dr. Charlie Chen—professor in Computer Information Systems—as recipient of Appalachian State’s UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award for his work designing courses across undergraduate/graduate levels; organizing study abroad programs; mentoring student projects; authoring books/articles; receiving multiple teaching awards; presenting research internationally.
Provost Specht acknowledged alumni attendees along with veterans/active-duty service members/first-generation college students/university leaders present at commencement.
Appalachian State University enrolls more than 21,000 students across its Boone/Hickory campuses or online offerings as part https://www.appstate.edu/—part of North Carolina’s public university system—with over 150 undergraduate majors/80 graduate majors available.
