University of Minnesota Duluth's 2025 Commencement Ceremonies

UMD’s 2025 commencement ceremonies will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at AMSOIL Arena, 350 Harbor Drive. UMD students have been working toward this achievement for years. The pomp and circumstance around this event is to acknowledge the dedication and sacrifice required to earn a degree and to celebrate this milestone achievement.

There are two ceremonies:

10 a.m.    The College of Education and Human Service Professions and the Labovitz School of Business and Economics
3 p.m.      The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Swenson College of Science and Engineering, and the University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth Campus (Master’s Degrees)

Meet the grads and student speakers

More than 1,600 Bulldogs will be participating in this year’s commencement exercise, in recognition of their earning bachelor’s degrees, doctoral degrees, or master’s degrees. The morning student speaker is Sydney Tomes from the College of Education and Human Service Professions, and the afternoon speaker is Grace Lynch from the Swenson College of Science and Engineering. You can learn more about them below.

See this video from the 2024 Commencement for a taste of the festivities.

Student Speakers

Sydney Tomes -  College of Education and Human Services Professions 
 

Sydney Tomes (she/her) is graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree with a double major in exercise and rehabilitation sciences and public health, with a minor in health and wellness coaching. 

She grew up in Minnetrista, Minnesota, and chose UMD because she has always enjoyed the outdoors. It helped that it was an easy drive back home from campus. 

Alongside her studies, Tomes has been involved with a number of student orgs, served on the Kirby Program Board, and appreciated opportunities to volunteer with organizations like Students Engaged in Rewarding Volunteer Experiences (SERVE) and Northland Adaptive, where she was also an intern. When she’s not volunteering, she can often be found exploring Duluth with friends. 

After graduation, Tomes aspires to pursue a Master's degree, aiming to work in healthcare administration or public health policy. She hopes this path will enable her to develop solutions and enhance access to healthcare services.

Grace Lynch - Swenson College of Science and Engineering
 

Grace Lynch (she/her) is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in both biology and chemical engineering, with minors in biochemical engineering and quality science. 

Lynch grew up in Chanhassen, Minnesota, and was drawn to Duluth by fond childhood memories and to be close to family. She had long been interested in biology but it wasn’t until her classes at UMD that she discovered a love of engineering, too.

Alongside her academics, Lynch has been involved in an array of organizations and activities on campus, including the Society of Women Engineers,  American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and  Engineers Without Borders, while also  working as an Admissions tour guide, and as a science fair judge for the American Indian Science and Education Society.

Beyond the classroom, she’s spent much of her time in labs, both as an undergraduate researcher and through jobs in the medical field. Lynch has enjoyed exploring those opportunities and hopes to put her studies and experiences to work in the area of implantable medical devices.

In her free time, Lynch likes to hike and explore the North Shore and stay connected with friends and family.