EVANSVILLE, IND. (05/11/2025) The University of Evansville (UE) conferred 489 degrees upon the Class of 2025 during its 167th Commencement Ceremony held Saturday, May 10, at the Ford Center in downtown Evansville. President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz presided over the ceremony, which recognized not only academic achievement, but also the personal and community impact of UE graduates.
The ceremony included remarks from President Pietruszkiewicz, Student Government Association President Benton Simpson, and Senior Keynote Speaker Brynna Waters. Several prestigious awards were presented, along with the conferral of three honorary degrees and the University’s highest presidential honor.
2025 Mabel Dillingham Nenneker and Guthrie May Outstanding Senior Award
Kyleigh Mayer, a proud Evansville native and Exercise Science major, was named the recipient of this year’s Mabel Dillingham Nenneker and Guthrie May Outstanding Senior Award. Mayer’s impact on campus includes serving as a leader in Admissions Ambassadors and Orientation Leaders, welcoming new students with warmth and mentorship. Her passion for connection and community has made her a beloved figure among her peers and professors.
2025 Outstanding Teacher Award
Dr. Mike Slade, Associate Professor of Chemistry, was honored with the 2025 Outstanding Teacher Award. Known for his innovative approach to organic chemistry, Dr. Slade makes course material approachable through real-world applications and personal touches, such as playing hype music before exams. Students recognize him not only as a great professor, but as a great person.
2025 Eykamp Prize Recipient
The Eykamp Prize was awarded to Dr. Laura Dwyer, Associate Professor of Management. Dr. Dwyer has published extensively, with her research cited over 2,000 times worldwide. She is the creator of a widely used Leadership Self-Efficacy scale and has distinguished herself in both the classroom and through her recruitment efforts in the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration.
Honorary Degrees
Three honorary degrees were presented at the ceremony:
Mr. Robert G. Jones and Mrs. Lisa B. Jones received Doctor of Humane Letters degrees in recognition of their decades of civic leadership, philanthropic investment, and unrelenting support of the University. Mr. Jones currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees, while Mrs. Jones has been deeply involved with the UE Theatre Society and dozens of other community and civic organizations.
Dr. David B. Smith, Superintendent of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC), was honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters for his contributions to education and leadership in public schools and his partnership with UE on initiatives like the Evansville Promise Neighborhood.
Presidential Medal of Honor – Dr. Michael D. Woodard
Dr. Michael D. Woodard received the 2025 Presidential Medal of Honor, the highest distinction awarded by the University President. A 1964 UE alumnus, Dr. Woodard has dedicated his career to advancing leadership, equity, and diversity in education and the workplace. He is a founder of the African American Alumni Association, and the Zerah Priestly Carter Endowed Scholarship.
Posthumous Degree – Muhammad Khan
The University of Evansville awarded a posthumous degree in Psychology to Muhammad Khan, who tragically lost his life in April 2024. A dedicated student known for his compassion and commitment to helping others, Muhammad was on track to complete his studies this spring. Surrounded by emotion and reflection, his family accepted the degree on his behalf during commencement, honoring his memory and the lasting impact he made on the UE community. In honoring his memory, the University of Evansville offers its heartfelt support to his family who will always be a cherished part of the Aces community.
