Walsh University is delighted to announce the 2025 Commencement Ceremonies planned for May, 3, 2025 to celebrate the academic achievements of more than 600 graduates. This year’s ceremony will honor international presenter, author, and sought-after speaker Samantha Kelley, a nine-time state high school champion, former Division I athlete and founder of FIERCE Athlete Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering female athletes through faith, truth, and authentic identity.
As a devout Catholic, Kelley has devoted her career to helping female athletes embrace their identity through faith and sport. Since its founding in 2017, FIERCE has become a beacon, providing support and mentorship for women thrive both on and off the field. She will deliver the Commencement Address and receive an Honorary Doctorate.
In addition, Walsh will honor the City of North Canton with the Distinguished Service Medal, recognizing its longstanding partnership and unwavering support of the University’s mission. For more than six decades, the City of North Canton and Walsh University have exemplified a symbiotic town and gown relationship, growing and thriving together since the early 1960s. One of the most significant examples of this is the development of Washington Square in what is now known as the University District. The City’s support culminated in a groundbreaking partnership announced in March 2024, when North Canton became the inaugural member of Walsh's Partners Program. This collaboration opens new avenues for professional development and education for city employees, while also formalizing internship programs and guest lecturer opportunities that benefit both the university and the city.
The ceremonies will be held in the Gaetano M. Cecchini Family Health and Wellness Complex with the morning ceremony celebrating graduates from the School of Behavioral Health and Sciences and the Gary and Linda Byers School of Nursing, while the afternoon ceremony will honor graduates from the DeVille School of Business and the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education.
2025 Commencement Schedule
Morning Ceremony: School of Behavioral Health and Sciences and the Gary and Linda Byers School of Nursing
Baccalaureate Holy Mass:
Afternoon Ceremony: DeVille School of Business and the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
A complete schedule and other details regarding the 2025 Commencement ceremony will be available at www.walsh.edu/commencement.
