University of Phoenix Celebrates 2,680 Graduates at Orlando Commencement

University of Phoenix hosted its summer 2025 commencement ceremony in Orlando on June 7 at the Addition Financial Arena, honoring the achievements of 2,680 graduates. A total of 7,846 guests filled the arena, cheering on students as they crossed the stage, many of them the first in their families to earn a degree. The event honored not only academic success, but also the determination and commitment that defines the University’s adult learners.

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Graduates fill the Addition Financial Arena during the University of Phoenix summer commencement in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, June 7, 2025.

University of Phoenix students are workers, parents, caregivers, and community engagers. Their average age is 36, and 60 percent are first-generation college graduates. For many, life intervened after high school and their goal of a college degree is now being realized.

“Commencement is more than a ceremony; it’s a celebration of perseverance and personal transformation,” said John Woods, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer at University of Phoenix. “Our graduates have balanced work, family and life’s challenges while pursuing their education. They leave here not only with degrees, but with the confidence and resilience to lead, serve and thrive in their communities.”

Among this year’s graduates is Ora Scales, whose journey to commencement was marked by extraordinary challenges. Over the past four years, Scales endured the loss of both parents, a battle with breast cancer and a painful knee replacement. Despite facing overwhelming personal hardships, she stayed committed to her academic journey.

“In the darkest moments, I discovered something extraordinary within myself: the spirit of a Phoenix,” Scales said. “My adversities became the ashes from which I emerged, reborn and renewed.” As she joined the Class of 2025 in celebration, Scales reflected on the strength it took to reach this milestone and shared a message of encouragement for others. “We are not defined by our struggles; we are defined by how we rise above them,” she said. “Together, we rise not just for ourselves, but for our communities and the generations to come.”

Scales earned her bachelor’s degree in business, one of the university’s most in-demand programs. She is among the more than 1,400 graduates from the College of Business and Information Technology, which led the class in numbers and reflects the growing demand for business and tech-savvy professionals.

Julie Hone also celebrated her graduation with her family in Orlando. “As a business owner, mother and student, earning this degree has shown me that anything I put my mind to is possible,” she shared. “Having my daughter watching me is my inspiration. I want to show her that anything you want in this world is yours if you claim it.”

Hone’s journey reflects the University’s commitment to support working adults in achieving their goals through a flexible, career-relevant education. The ceremony celebrated graduates from all seven colleges, highlighting the university's diverse academic programs designed to meet students where they are and help them move forward:

• College of Business and Information Technology: 1,464 registered graduates (281 associate, 789 bachelor’s, 394 master’s)
• College of Doctoral Studies: 65 doctoral degrees
• College of Education: 170 registered graduates (65 bachelor’s, 105 master’s)
• College of General Studies: 21 bachelor’s degrees
• College of Health Professions: 357 registered graduates (208 bachelor’s, 149 master’s)
• College of Nursing: 78 registered graduates (26 bachelor’s, 10 doctoral, 42 master’s)
• College of Social and Behavioral Sciences: 525 registered graduates (67 associate, 294 bachelor’s, 194 master’s)

These numbers reflect not only the scale of the graduating class, but also the individual stories of growth and ambition behind each degree. One of those stories belongs to Jyostna John, a full-time senior analyst at the University, who earned her Master of Science in Data Analytics. “I started this master's program with the intention of advancing my career, but I came away with so much more,” she stated. “I realized I was capable of so much more and gained the confidence needed to keep learning even after my program was complete.”

This year’s ceremony featured a Commencement Kickoff, designed to help graduates connect, celebrate and prepare for their big moment. The event included family-friendly games and activities, music from a live DJ, and plenty of photo opportunities to capture the occasion. Graduates also picked up honor cords, last-minute regalia and alumni swag, marking the start of their next chapter as proud University of Phoenix alumni, ready to make a difference in their communities and careers.

Learn more here about commencement ceremonies at University of Phoenix.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu/blog.html.

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