Commencements

Commencements
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1890s

06/18/1890 Closing ceremony

Since there was no graduating class until 1893, this "closing ceremony" took the place of commencement. The speaker was Zebulon Vance, North Carolina governor and senator.

06/17/1891 Closing ceremony

The speaker was Rev. Baylus Cade, a Baptist minister.

06/14/1892 Closing ceremony

The speaker was Charles W. Dabney, member of the Watauga Club and president of the University of Tennessee.

Charles W. Dabney portraitCharles W. Dabney portrait
06/20/1893 Fourth Commencement

Nineteen students received degrees during the first true commencement ceremony. The closing ceremonies from 1890 to 1892 had no graduating class but were considered commencements in the numbering system used since 1910. The speaker was Henry Watterson, editor of the Louisville Courier-Journal. The baccalaureate sermon was given by Rev. Henry W. Battle of Petersburg, Virginia.

President Alexander Q. Holladay and the first graduating class, 1893President Alexander Q. Holladay and the first graduating class, 1893
06/20/1894 Fifth Commencement

The speaker was attorney Fabius Haywood Busbee of Raleigh and the baccalaureate sermon was given by Rev. W. S. Creasy of Charlotte.

06/19/1895 Sixth Commencement

The featured speaker was Captain Charles E. Vawter of the Manual Training School in Virginia.

06/10/1896 Seventh Commencement

The speaker was Charles D. McIver, founder and president of what is now known as the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The baccalaureate sermon was given by A. D. Thaeller of Salem, NC.

06/09/1897 Eighth Commencement

The speaker was Robert Crawford, president of Williamson Free School in Philadelphia. The baccalaureate sermon was given by Rev. Peyton Harrison Hoge of the First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, NC.

05/31/1898 Ninth Commencement

The speaker was Colonel Henry W. J. Ham, a journalist and politician from Gainesville, GA. The baccalaureate sermon was given by Rev. Hartley P. Carmichael.

College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts Class of 1898College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts Class of 1898
05/30/1899 Tenth Commencement

The speaker was Henry Sims Hartzog, president of Clemson University (then College).

1900s

05/30/1900 Eleventh Commencement

The speaker was Ira Remsen, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and co-discoverer of the artificial sweetener saccharin.

05/28/1901 Twelfth Commencement

The speaker was Colonel Carroll Davidson Wright, a statistician and the first U.S. Commissioner of Labor.

NC State College Class of 1901 celebrating 50th anniversary reunionNC State College Class of 1901 celebrating 50th anniversary reunion
05/27/1902 Thirteenth Commencement

The speaker was Dr. Truman J. Backus, president of the Packer Institute in Brooklyn, NY.

05/26/1903 Fourteenth Commencement

The speaker was Walter Hines Page, a member of the Watauga Club and editor of the Forum, World's Work, and Atlantic Monthly.

Walter Hines Page portraitWalter Hines Page portrait
05/24/1904 Fifteenth Commencement

The speaker was William W. Kitchin, U.S. Congressman and governor of North Carolina.

05/29/1905 Sixteenth Commencement

Orations were given by J. Rhodes Smith, Edward G. Porter Jr., James O. Morgan, Arthur T. Kenyon, and Oscar L. Bagley.

Class of 1905 Military GroupClass of 1905 Military Group
05/30/1906 Seventeenth Commencement

Orations were given by W. S. Tomlinson, J. C. Beavers, J. P. Lovill, A. E. Escott, and R. H. Tillman.

Senior Privates 1906Senior Privates 1906
05/29/1907 Eighteenth Commencement

Orations were given by C. L. Garner of Beaufort, J. E. Turlington of Clinton and W. B. Truitt of Greensboro.

05/27/1908 Nineteenth Commencement

Orations were given by Maurice E. Glasser, Percy L. Gainey, John D. Grady, and Frank H. Brown.

05/25/1909 Twentieth Commencement

Orations were given by Thorne M. Clark, William H. Eaton, Samuel H. Neely, Robert A. Shope, and future Chancellor John W. Harrelson.

Chancellor John W. Harrelson at deskChancellor John W. Harrelson at desk

1910s

05/31/1910 21st Commencement
Class of 1910 at Alumni Weekend with William Clark Styron, Sr., on left, 1960.Class of 1910 at Alumni Weekend with William Clark Styron, Sr., on left, 1960.
05/29/1911 22nd Commencement

Orations were given by C. E. Bell, J. H. Brown, K. Bryan, and valedictorian J. P. Quinerly.

Class of 1911, as sophomoresClass of 1911, as sophomores
05/27/1912 23rd Commencement

Orations were given by S. J. Kirby, B. M. Potter, T. H. Stafford, and valedictorian H. L. Taylor.

05/26/1913 24th Commencement

Orations were given by T. J. Hewitt, H. L. Joslyn, T. R. Parish, and valedictorian F. S. Hales. The commencement speaker was future President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was then Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

05/25/1914 25th Commencement

Orations were given by T. L. Bayne Jr., L. John, W. R. Patton, D. E. Robers, and valedictorian M. R. Quinerly.

Class of 1914 monumentClass of 1914 monument
05/24/1915 26th Commencement

Orations were given by G. L. Jeffers, A. L. Teachey, J. R. Williams, and valedictorian F. K. Kramer.

05/29/1916 27th Commencement

Orations were given by S. G. Crater, R. V. Davis, K. L. Greenfield, and valedictorian K. Sloan.

Class of 1916 - NC College of Agriculture and Mechanic ArtsClass of 1916 - NC College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts
05/28/1917 28th Commencement

The speaker was the Honorable Henry Morgenthau. Orations were given by A. S. Cline, R. W. McGeachy, and valedictorian W. K. Scott.

05/27/1918 29th Commencement

The speaker was Clarence Ousley, a writer and journalist from Texas.

05/24/1919 30th Commencement

The speaker was Assistant Secretary of Agriculture G. I. Christie. S. O. Bauersfeld gave the Valedictory Address. The first honorary degree was awarded to W. F. Massey, the first professor of horticulture.

Professor Wilbur Massey portraitProfessor Wilbur Massey portrait

1920s

05/24/1920 31st Commencement

Orations were given by H. D. Crockford, J. M. Henley, R. D. Pillsbury, O. Ramsaur, A. L. White Jr., S. K. Wright and Valedictorian D. B. Worth.

05/31/1921 32nd Commencement

Orations were given by E. W. Constable, J. G. Evans, D. A. Floyd, W. C. McCoy, M. P. Moss, M. L. Rhodes, and valedictorian W. C. Eagles.

05/28/1922 33rd Commencement

The commencement address was given by Aaron Sapiro, a leader in the farmer's cooperative movement. The baccalaureate sermon was given by J. O. Atkinson. Orations were given by Rev. J. Vincent Knight (benediction), C. F. Churchill, J. A. Glazener, W. N. Hicks, S. F. Mauney Jr., W. L. Pickens, E. C. Tatum, and E. G. Singletary (valedictorian).

Textiles senior class of 1922 with faculty in front of Tompkins HallTextiles senior class of 1922 with faculty in front of Tompkins Hall
05/29/1923 34th Commencement

The commencement speaker was Dr. Royal S. Copeland, a senator from New York and the Commissioner of Health of New York. Dr. R. B. Peery gave the baccalaureate sermon. The valedictorian was William Jennings Jr.

Senior class of 1923 with faculty in front of Tompkins HallSenior class of 1923 with faculty in front of Tompkins Hall
05/27/1924 35th Commencement

The commencement speaker was Woodbridge Ferris, senator and governor from Michigan. He also founded various schools and colleges bearing his name.

Textiles senior class with facultyTextiles senior class with faculty
06/09/1925 36th Commencement

The speaker was Dr. Frank Thilly, a philosophy professor from Cornell University. The baccalaureate sermon was given on June 7th by Dr. W. Taliaferro Thompson. Thompson Gymnasium was dedicated as part of the commencement festivities. Engineer Charles E. Waddell was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Science.

Textiles senior class and faculty in front of Tompkins HallTextiles senior class and faculty in front of Tompkins Hall
06/08/1926 37th Commencement

The baccalaureate address was given by Congressman James B. Aswell from Louisiana. Other speakers included Governor O. Max Gardner, Dr. Edwin Mims from Vanderbilt University, and Bishop William Fraser McDowell of Washington, D.C. The D. H. Hill Jr. Library (then housed in Brooks Hall) was also dedicated as part of the commencement festivities. Dr. Thomas Nelson, dean of the Textiles School, was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Science.

O. Max Gardner portraitO. Max Gardner portrait
06/07/1927 38th Commencement

The baccalaureate address was given by Robert Archer Cooper, former governor of South Carolina. M. Ashby Jones, pastor of Second Baptist Church of Saint Louis, gave the baccalaureate sermon. F. E. Plummer was valedictorian.

06/05/1928 39th Commencement

The commencement speaker was Frederick M. Snyder of Johns Hopkins University. The baccalaureate sermon was given on June 3rd by Rev. Abram Edward Cory, pastor of the Church of the Disciples of Christ in Kinston, NC.

06/04/1929 40th Commencement

The commencement speaker was Arthur M. Greene Jr., dean of engineering at Princeton University. Reverend Henry Covington of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Norfolk, VA, gave the baccalaureate sermon on June 2nd. Honorary degrees were awarded to Stuart Warren Cramer, president of Cramerton Cotton Mills, and William Dollison Faucette, chief engineer at the Seaboard Air Line Railway Company.

1929 Graduation1929 Graduation
07/18/1929 Graduating exercises of summer school

This was the first graduation ceremony held for summer school. They did not receive numbering like spring commencements. Dr. Charles E. Brewer gave the address to the graduating class.

1930s

06/10/1930 41st Commencement

The commencement speaker was Dr. Lothrop Stoddard, an author from Brookline, MA. Dr. W. Walter Peele, from First Methodist Church in Charlotte, gave the baccalaureate sermon on June 8th.

Class of 1930, golden anniversary class photograph, 1980Class of 1930, golden anniversary class photograph, 1980
07/24/1930 Graduating exercises of summer school

The commencement address was given by Dr. Edwin McNeill Poteat Jr. He was president of Colgate-Rochester Divinity School and later pastor of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh. The invocation was given by Dr. Milton A. Barber.

06/09/1931 42nd Commencement

The commencement address was given by John J. Tigert, president of the University of Florida and Secretary of Education under President Woodrow Wilson. The baccalaureate sermon was given on June 7th by Dr. Gould Wickey of the United Lutheran Churches.

Chemical Engineering class at commencementChemical Engineering class at commencement
07/23/1931 Graduating exercises of summer school

The commencement address was given by Dr. John H. Cook, dean of the School of Education of the North Carolina College for Women. The invocation was given by H. A. Cox of Saint Saviour's Church.

06/07/1932 43rd Commencement

The commencement address was given by Merle Thorpe, economist and editor of Nation's Business. The baccalaureate sermon was given by Reverend D. P. Gilmour of the First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington on June 5th. Honorary degrees were awarded to Governor O. Max Gardner, Reuben B. Robertson (president of Champion Fibre Company), and James A. Powell (president of W. S. Barstow and Company).

Textiles School graduating class and faculty group photoTextiles School graduating class and faculty group photo
07/27/1932 Graduating exercises of summer school

The speaker was Dr. Robert B. Maltby of Washington, DC. The invocation was given by Rev. J. R. Walker.

06/12/1933 44th Commencement

Frank Porter Graham, first president of the consolidated UNC System, gave the baccalaureate address. The Reverend William Charles McDaniel, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Richmond, gave the baccalaureate sermon on June 11th.

Frank Porter Graham sitting in his officeFrank Porter Graham sitting in his office
06/11/1934 45th Commencement

There was no formal commencement address but a series of informal talks given by Dr. Frank Porter Graham, president of the UNC Consolidated System, and Dr. E. C. Brooks, president of State College. Episcopal Bishop Edwin Penick gave the baccalaureate sermon on June 10th.

Eugene Clyde Brooks portraitEugene Clyde Brooks portrait
06/07/1935 46th Commencement

A series of short talks were given by Governor J. C. B. Ehringhaus, Frank Porter Graham, and Colonel John W. Harrelson, who would later become chancellor. Edwin Dubose Mouzon gave the baccalaureate sermon on June 6th.

Senior class, Textile School of North Carolina State CollegeSenior class, Textile School of North Carolina State College
06/08/1936 47th Commencement

The commencement address was given by Bennett E. Geer, president of Furman University. Dr. Edgar Gammon of Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte gave the baccalaureate sermon on June 7th.

06/07/1937 48th Commencement

The commencement address was given by Dr. Arthur E. Morgan, chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority. The baccalaureate sermon was given by Rev. Sankey Lee Blanton of the First Baptist Church in Wilmington. Frank Porter Graham also participated in commencement exercises. Honorary degrees were awarded to chemist Wightman Wells Garner and engineer Arthur Ernest Morgan.

06/06/1938 49th Commencement

The commencement speaker was L. R. Powell Jr. of the Seaboard Air Line Railway. Honorary degees of Doctor of Engineering were awarded to Charles Irvine Burkholder of Duke Power and William McKinney Piatt, consulting engineer for the city of Durham.

06/05/1939 50th Commencement

The commencement speaker was Francis Pendleton Gaines, president of Washington and Lee University. The invocation was given by Rev. Lee C. Sheppard of Raleigh. Dr. John Rustin, pastor of Mount Vernon Methodist Church in Washington, DC, gave the baccalaureate sermon on June 4th. Honorary Doctor of Science degrees were awarded to Stephen Cole Bruner, alumnus and chief of the Department of Plant Pathology and Entomology at the Estacion Experimental Agronomica de ... More

Forestry Class of 1939Forestry Class of 1939

1940s

06/03/1940 51st Commencement

The baccalaureate address was given by Governor Clyde R. Hoey, who helped found the Textiles School. The baccalaureate sermon was given on June 2nd by Rev. John R. Williams of Atlanta, GA, an alumnus of State College. An honorary Doctor of Textile Science was awarded to Charles Albert Cannon, president of the Board of Directors of Cannon Mills. Clement Leinster Garner, alumnus and geodetic engineer, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Engineering.

Luther HodgesLuther Hodges
06/09/1941 52nd Commencement

There was no official commencement speaker but instead a series of brief remarks given by North Carolina Governor J. Melville Broughton, Greater University President Frank Porter Graham, Dean of Administration (and later Chancellor) John W. Harrelson, and senior class President William C. Friday. The baccalaureate sermon was given on June 8th by Dr. Wyatt Aiken Smart from Emory University. Honorary degrees were awarded to Richard Thurmond Chatham, president of ... More

Joseph Melville BroughtonJoseph Melville Broughton
05/09/1942 53rd Commencement

This was the first commencement held under the accelerated program, causing the exercises to be held approximately four weeks earlier than usual. Certificates, instead of diplomas, were awarded to seniors. Speakers included Governor J. Melville Broughton, Josephus Daniels, Dr. John M. Cunningham (president of Davidson College), and R. L. McMillan, state head of the American Legion. An honorary Doctor of Science was awarded to rural sociologist Carle Clark ... More

Josephus Daniels and John W. HarrelsonJosephus Daniels and John W. Harrelson
06/14/1943 54th Commencement

In the second wartime ceremony, 95 degrees were given to students who qualified in March, but left for the Army. The baccalaureate sermon was given on June 13 by Rev. E. McNeill Poteat, formerly pastor of Pullen Baptist Church in Raleigh. There was no official commencement speaker, but Governor J. Melville Broughton addressed the seniors. An honorary Doctor of Textile Science was awarded to Wilbert James Carter, president of Carter Fabrics Corporation. An honorary ... More

Benjamin W. Kilgore painted portraitBenjamin W. Kilgore painted portrait
05/29/1944 55th Commencement

Dr. Russell, dean emeritus of Duke's Divinity School, gave the baccalaureate sermon on May 28th. Lieutenant Governor R. L. Harris gave the commencement address and Frank Porter Graham made closing remarks. A Doctor of Textile Science was awarded to David Clark, director of several North Carolina mills. An honorary Doctor of Engineering was awarded to Louis Valvelle Sutton, director of the Carolina Power and Light Company.

Chemical Engineering class at commencementChemical Engineering class at commencement
05/28/1945 56th Commencement

The speaker was R. Gregg Cherry, governor of North Carolina. Rev. B. R. Lacy of Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA, gave the baccalaureate sermon on May 27th. An honorary Doctor of Agriculture was awarded to Dudley Warren Bagley, executive officer of the United States General Accounting Office. An honorary Doctor of Textile Science was awarded to Arthur Mills Dixon, alumnus and mayor of Gastonia, NC. An honorary Doctor of Military Science was awarded to ... More

R. Gregg Cherry speaking at State 4-H WeekR. Gregg Cherry speaking at State 4-H Week
06/03/1946 57th Commencement

The speakers were Governor R. Gregg Cherry and Greater University President Frank Porter Graham. The baccalaureate sermon was given on June 2nd by Dr. Daniel A. Poling, pastor of the Temple Church in Philadelphia. Honorary degrees were awarded to James Edward Millis of the Adams-Millis Corporation; Victor Arthur Rice, dean of the agriculture at Massachusetts State College; and Roger Williams, naval officer and industrialist.

James Millis, 1946 honorary degreeJames Millis, 1946 honorary degree
06/09/1947 58th Commencement

The speakers were Governor R. Gregg Cherry and Greater University President Frank Porter Graham. The baccalaureate sermon was delivered on June 8 by Rev. Thomas Henry Wright, the Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Eastern Carolina. Honorary degrees were awarded to Charles Stainback of the Westinghouse Electric Manufacturing Company; Harry H. Straus of the Escusta Paper Corporation; John Redd Hutcheson, president of Virginia Polytechnic Institute; and John Washington Clark, textile manufacturer.

View of graduates and audience at North Carolina State College commencement, 1947.View of graduates and audience at North Carolina State College commencement, 1947.
06/14/1948 59th Commencement

Lynton Tayes Ballentine, lieutenant governor of North Carolina, and Greater University President Frank Porter Graham were the principal speakers. Honorary degrees were awarded to James Morgan Sherman of the Department of Dairy Industry at Cornell University; Franklin Warren Hobbs, industrialist and educational benefactor of Boston, MA; William Henry Sullivan, engineer and civic leader of Greensboro, NC; and Thomas Everett Browne, State Director of Vocational Education in North Carolina.

Commissioner L. Y. Ballentine, Gov. W. Kerr Scott, and Dean Ira O. Schaub with corn cob-shaped award for winning competitionCommissioner L. Y. Ballentine, Gov. W. Kerr Scott, and Dean Ira O. Schaub with corn cob-shaped award for winning competition
06/12/1949 60th Commencement

The commencement speaker was W. Kerr Scott, governor of North Carolina. He also received an honorary Doctor of Agriculture. Rev. Clarence E. Norman, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Raleigh, gave the invocation. An honorary Doctor of Engineering was awarded to Felix Stanton Hales, authority on rail transportation. An honorary Doctor of Textile Science was awarded to Albert Gallatin Myers, president of Textiles-Incorporated in Gastonia, NC.

Chancellor John W. Harrelson handing Governor W. Kerr Scott with a Doctorate of Agriculture at commencementChancellor John W. Harrelson handing Governor W. Kerr Scott with a Doctorate of Agriculture at commencement
07/30/1949 Graduating exercises

The speaker was Governor W. Kerr Scott. The invocation was given by Rev. C. S. McCoy, director of the Wesley Foundation in Raleigh.

Summer school commencement, 1949Summer school commencement, 1949

1950s

06/11/1950 61st Commencement

Brief talks were given by Governor W. Kerr Scott; Gordon Gray, president of the Consolidated University; and Chancellor John William Harrelson. The baccalaureate sermon was given by Bishop W. W. Peele of Richmond, VA. This was the first commencement held in Reynolds Coliseum. Honorary degrees were awarded to Harry Reed; dean of the School of Agriculture at Purdue University; Clyde Atkinson Erwin, State Superintendent of Public Instruction for North Carolina; John ... More

Commencement ceremonyCommencement ceremony
06/10/1951 62nd Commencement

The speakers were Governor W. Kerr Scott and president of the Greater University, Gordon Gray. The invocation was given by Edward J. Agsten, pastor of West Raleigh Presbyterian Church. Honorary degrees were awarded to Ira Obed Schaub, director of the NC Agricultural Research Service; Clarence Poe, editor of the Progressive Farmer; Harry Parker Hammond, dean of engineering at Penn State College; lumber industrialist Colin George Spencer; and textile scientist Frederick Bonnet.

View of graduates lining up outside at North Carolina State College commencement, 1951.View of graduates lining up outside at North Carolina State College commencement, 1951.
06/08/1952 63rd Commencement

Dr. Robert Calkins, director of the General Education Board in New York, gave the baccalaureate address. Governor W. Kerr Scott and Greater University President Gordon Gray also made remarks. Dr. Harold Tribble, president of Wake Forest College, gave the baccalaureate sermon. Honorary degrees were awarded to Judge Junius Greene Adams, president of the Biltmore Company of Asheville; Luther Wilson Greene, chemical engineer at the Army Chemical Center in Maryland; ... More

Dr. Carl Alwin Schenck portraitDr. Carl Alwin Schenck portrait
06/07/1953 64th Commencement

The principal speakers were North Carolina Governor William B. Umstead and President of the Consolidated University Gordon Gray. The baccalaureate sermon was given by Henry I. Loutit, Episcopal Bishop of Southern Florida. Honorary degrees were awarded to Lynton Yates Ballentine, commissioner of Agriculture for North Carolina; Walter Gropius, architect in the Bauhaus style; John Warren Smith, Assistant State Director of Vocational Education in North Carolina; ... More

William B. UmsteadWilliam B. Umstead
06/06/1954 65th Commencement

The speakers were Governor William B. Umstead and president of the Consolidated University Gordon Gray. The baccalaureate sermon was given by Dr. James Sprunt, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh. Honorary degrees were awarded to John William Turrentine, president emeritus of the American Potash Institute; architect R. Buckminster Fuller; Colonel John William Harrelson, chancellor of NC State; James Thomas Ryan, industrialist of High Point, NC; ... More

Commencement, 1954Commencement, 1954
05/29/1955 66th Commencement

Remarks to the graduating class were given by Thomas M. Lynam, president of the class of 1955; Gordon Gray, president of the Consolidated University; and Luther H. Hodges, governor of North Carolina, who also received an honorary degree. Rev. Gaylord B. Noyce gave the baccalaureate sermon. Honorary degrees were also awarded to James Harold Hilton, former dean of the School of Agriculture; Victor Silas Bryant, state representative from Durham; Edward Eastman ... More

Clyde R. HoeyClyde R. Hoey
05/27/1956 67th Commencement

Remarks to the graduating class were given by William B. Dozier, president of the class of 1956; William C. Friday, president of the Consolidated University; and Luther B. Hodges, governor of North Carolina. Dr. Liston Pope, dean of Yale's Divinity School, gave the baccalaureate sermon. Honorary degrees were awarded to James Harold Lineberger, textile industrialist; George Waddell Snedecor, president of the American Statistical Association; Bauhuas architect ... More

Commencement, 1956Commencement, 1956
05/26/1957 68th Commencement

Remarks to the graduating class were given by Class President Roger Post Hill and president of the Consolidated University William Friday. Honorary degrees were awarded to Leroy Brothers, Thomas Dolliver Church, Harold Dunbar Cooley, Wilson Durward Leggett Jr., and Clifford Willard Tilson.

Graduation 1957Graduation 1957
06/01/1958 69th Commencement

Remarks to the graduating class were given by president of the Consolidated University William Friday and Class President James M. Peden Jr. Future governor Jim Hunt (then president of Student Government) also participated in the ceremony. The baccalaureate sermon was given by Dr. James T. Cleland, dean of the Chapel at Duke University. Honorary degrees were awarded to Halbert McNair Jones, William Gardner van Note, and Conrad Louis Wirth.

1958 Graduation1958 Graduation
01/26/1959 Exercises of Graduation

Remarks to the graduating class were given by president of the Consolidated University William Friday and Class President Arron W. E. Capel II.

05/24/1959 70th Commencement

Remarks to the graduating class were made by president of the Consolidated University William Friday and Class President Arron W. E. Capel II. Dr. Carlyle Marney, minister of Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, gave the baccalaureate sermon. Honorary degrees were awarded to agricultural scientist Willard Holden Darst; Henry Burton Robinson, director of Carolina Power and Light Company; and silviculturist Francis Xavier Schumacher

Faculty Portrait, College of Natural ResourcesFaculty Portrait, College of Natural Resources

1960s

05/29/1960 71st Commencement

Informal remarks were given by Governor Luther Hodges, president of the Consolidated University William Friday, and Class President John Phillips Carlton. The baccalaureate sermon was given by Rev. Theodore O. Wedel, canon of Washington Cathedral. Honorary degrees were awarded to William Dunford Appel, Jonathan Worth Daniels, Granville Moorman Read, Oliver Reagan Rowe, Burrhus Frederic Skinner, and Thomas Benton Upchurch.

Graduation in Reynolds ColiseumGraduation in Reynolds Coliseum
05/27/1961 72nd Commencement

The commencement speaker was Dr. George Wells Beadle, a Nobel prize winner and chancellor of the University of Chicago. Remarks to the graduating class were also given by Consolidated University President William Friday and North Carolina Governor Terry Sanford. Honorary degrees were awarded to John Columbus Cowan, president of Burlington Industries; Frederick Carlton Gardner, president of EBASCO Services Inc.; forestry expert Irvine Theodore Haig; agricultural ... More

Key figures in North Carolina State 1961 commencementKey figures in North Carolina State 1961 commencement
06/02/1962 73rd Commencement

The commencement speaker was Julius A. Stratton, president of MIT. Governor Terry Sanford and Consolidated University President William Friday also gave remarks to the graduating class. Honorary degrees were awarded to Laurence Hasbrouck Snyder, Raymond Albert Wheeler, Sterling Brown Hendricks, and Lennox Polk McLendon.

06/01/1963 74th Commencement

The commencement speaker was David E. Bell, director of the Agency for International Development at the U.S. State Department. Consolidated University President William Friday, Governor Terry Sanford, and Chancellor John Caldwell also gave remarks to the graduating class. Honorary degrees were awarded to George McMillan Darrow, Terry Sanford, Eli Sternberg, and Bertram Whittier Wells.

05/29/1964 75th Commencement

The commencement speaker was Clifford M. Hardin, chancellor of the University of Nebraska. Remarks to the graduating class were also given by Governor Terry Sanford and University of North Carolina President William Friday. Honorary degrees were awarded to Henry Armfield Foscue, William Dallas Herring, Louis Isadore Kahn, Lillian Parker Wallace, and David Stathem Weaver.

William C. FridayWilliam C. Friday
05/29/1965 76th Commencement

Chancellor John T. Caldwell gave the commencement address. Remarks to the graduating class were also given by UNC President William Friday and Governor Dan K. Moore. Honorary degrees were awarded to Leonard David Baver, Charles Francis Goldthwait, John Harold Lampe, and Jasper Leonidas Stuckey.

Students at graduation outside Reynolds ColiseumStudents at graduation outside Reynolds Coliseum
05/28/1966 77th Commencement

Chancellor John T. Caldwell gave the commencement address. Remarks to the graduating class were also given by UNC President William Friday and Governor Dan K. Moore. Honorary degrees were awarded to James Gordon Hanes Jr., James Herbert Jensen, Rudolph Ivey Mintz, Charles Scott Mitchell, and Frances Gray Patton.

Charles S. Mitchell, N. C. State alumni and Citgo chairman of the board, receiving an honorary degree at 1966 graduationCharles S. Mitchell, N. C. State alumni and Citgo chairman of the board, receiving an honorary degree at 1966 graduation
05/27/1967 78th Commencement

The commencement address was given by Chancellor John T. Caldwell. Remarks to the graduating class were also given by UNC President William Friday and Governor Dan K. Moore. Honorary degrees were awarded to David Stanton Coltrane, Verne Lester Harper, George Richard Herbert, Joseph Grant Knapp, and Francis Peter Worsley Winteringham.

05/25/1968 79th Commencement

The commencement speaker was Chancellor John Tyler Caldwell. President of the UNC System William Friday and Governor Dan K. Moore also gave remarks to the graduating class. Honorary degrees were awarded to Ralph Waldo Cummings, George Maurice Hill, Willis King, and Nello Leguy Teer Jr.

05/31/1969 80th Commencement

Mark O. Hatfield, senator from Oregon, gave the commencement address. Remarks to the graduating class were also given by UNC President William Friday and Governor Robert W. Scott.

1969 Graduation1969 Graduation

1970s

05/30/1970 81st Commencement

The commencement speaker was Dr. John A. Hannah, administrator for the Agency for International Development and previously president of Michigan State University. UNC President William Friday and Governor Robert W. Scott also gave remarks to the graduating class.

May 15, 1971 82nd Commencement

The commencement address was given by Chancellor John T. Caldwell. Remarks to the graduating class were also given by UNC President William Friday.

05/13/1972 83rd Commencement

The commencement speaker was William D. Ruckelshaus, the first Environmental Protection Agency administrator. Remarks to the graduating class were also given by UNC President William Friday. An honorary Doctor of Science was awarded to agronomy professor Gordon Kennedy Middleton.

Dr. Gordon K. Middleton with wheat bushelDr. Gordon K. Middleton with wheat bushel
05/12/1973 84th Commencement

The commencement speaker was Chancellor John T. Caldwell. UNC President William Friday also gave remarks to the graduating class.

05/11/1974 85th Commencement

The commencement address was given by Chancellor John T. Caldwell. Remarks to the graduating class were also given by UNC President William Friday.

Chancellor John T. Caldwell portraitChancellor John T. Caldwell portrait
05/17/1975 86th Commencement

Chancellor John T. Caldwell gave the commencement address. UNC President William Friday also gave remarks to the graduating class. An Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws was awarded to Chancellor Caldwell in advance of his retirement.

05/15/1976 87th Commencement

The commencement address was given by the Honorable Sam J. Ervin Jr., U.S. Senator from North Carolina. Remarks to the graduating class were also given by UNC President William Friday.

Senator Sam ErvinSenator Sam Ervin
05/14/1977 88th Commencement

Governor Jim Hunt gave the commencement address. Calvin Cunningham gave an address to his fellow graduates, and UNC President William Friday also gave remarks.

Governor James B. Hunt at Inaugural BallGovernor James B. Hunt at Inaugural Ball
05/13/1978 89th Commencement

Roy H. Park, alumnus and founder of Park Communications, Inc., gave the commencement address. Paul William Saxe gave the Fellow Graduates address and UNC President William Friday also made remarks.

Roy ParkRoy Park
05/12/1979 90th Commencement

Dr. E. T. York Jr., chancellor of the State University System of Florida, gave the commencement address. Derek Carl Meyer gave the Address to Fellow Graduates, and UNC President William Friday also gave remarks. An honorary Doctor of Humanities was awarded to Lodwick Charles Hartley, head of the English department for more than 30 years.

Dr. E. T. YorkDr. E. T. York

1980s

05/10/1980 91st Commencement

Dr. William E. Davis, president of the University of New Mexico, gave the commencement address. Donna Foglia gave the Address to Fellow Graduates, and UNC President William Friday also made remarks.

05/16/1981 92nd Commencement

The commencement speaker was Dr. Frank Rhodes, president of Cornell University. Terri D. Lambert gave the Address to Fellow Graduates and UNC President William Friday also made remarks.

05/15/1982 93rd Commencement

The commencement speaker was Claude Ramsey, chairman and president of Akzona Incorporated. Stacey L. Schaeffer gave the Address to Fellow Graduates and E. Walton Jones, vice president for Research and Public Service Programs for the University of North Carolina System, gave remarks.

Commencement, 1982Commencement, 1982
05/14/1983 94th Commencement

The commencement address was given by Bill Monroe, moderator and producer of the TV show "Meet the Press." Craig Kellogg Utesch gave the Address to Fellow Graduates and UNC President William Friday also made remarks.

05/12/1984 95th Commencement

The commencement speaker was Dr. Abraham Holtzman, professor of political science and public administration at NC State. UNC President William Friday also gave remarks. An honorary Doctor of Humane Letters was awarded to agricultural economist Theodore William Schultz.

05/11/1985 96th Commencement

The commencement speaker was Dr. Leo Bustad, dean emeritus of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. Honorary degrees were awarded to Harwell Hamilton Harris and Dr. Samuel D. Proctor. UNC president William Friday also gave remarks to the graduating class.

The Graduating Class of 1985 Reciting the Veterinarian’s OathThe Graduating Class of 1985 Reciting the Veterinarian’s Oath
05/10/1986 97th Commencement

William Friday, president emeritus of the University of North Carolina System, gave the commencement address. A. Jay Everette gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. An honorary degree was awarded to Philip Smith, executive officer of the National Academy of Sciences and former presidential science advisor.

William C. Friday portraitWilliam C. Friday portrait
05/09/1987 98th Commencement (Centennial Commencement)

For the Centennial Commencement, Chancellor Bruce Poulton gave the commencement address. Former Chancellors Bostian, Caldwell, and Thomas also attended the first commencement held in Carter-Finley Stadium. Samuel Spilman gave the Address to Fellow Graduates.

1987 Centennial Graduation ceremony1987 Centennial Graduation ceremony
05/07/1988 99th Commencement

The commencement speaker was Edwin Newman, a former news anchor for NBC. Laura G. Lunsford gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. An honorary Doctor of Humane Letters was awarded to professor of English Richard G. Walser.

Commencement 1988 ValedictoriansCommencement 1988 Valedictorians
05/06/1989 100th Commencement

Governor James G. Martin gave the commencement address and Mr. Wiley Jones Loflin gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. An Honorary Doctor of Science was awarded to Gertrude Elion, a Burroughs Wellcome Co. researcher who won the 1988 Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology.

1989 Graduation Valedictorians1989 Graduation Valedictorians

1990s

05/12/1990 101st Commencement

The first woman commencement speaker was poet and author Maya Angelou. UNC President C. D. Spangler also made remarks. Timothy Van Cooke gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. During the ceremony, a Cessna airplane flew over Carter-Finley Stadium with a "Fire Monteith" banner, protesting the recent appointment of Larry Monteith as chancellor. This is the last numbered commencement.

Maya Angelou, 1990 commencement speakerMaya Angelou, 1990 commencement speaker
12/19/1990 First Fall Graduation Exercises

In 1990, the university instituted a fall commencement in addition to the spring ceremony. The speaker was Chancellor Larry Monteith. Lora Ann Long gave the Address to Fellow Graduates.

Chancellor Larry K. MonteithChancellor Larry K. Monteith
05/11/1991 Spring Commencement

Beginning in 1991, the commencement numbering was dropped from the programs. From then on, there were Spring Commencements and Fall Graduation Exercises. The commencement speaker was former UNC System president William Friday. Graham Boyd gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to William Friday and Nyle C. Brady.

12/18/1991 Fall Graduation Exercises

The speaker was General Maxwell R. Thurman, an NC State alumnus. The Address to Fellow Graduates was given by David Carlone.

05/09/1992 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was Chancellor Emeritus John Caldwell. UNC System President C. D. Spangler Jr. and Board of Governors Chairman Samuel Poole also made remarks. Dain E. Vines gave the Address to Fellow Graduates.

Student speaker, 1992 commencementStudent speaker, 1992 commencement
12/16/1992 Fall Graduation Exercises

Dr. John Hope Franklin, James B. Duke Professor of History Emeritus at Duke University, gave the address. Michael V. Carlone gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. An honorary degree of Doctor of Agriculture was awarded to Eugene Butler.

William Friday and John Hope FranklinWilliam Friday and John Hope Franklin
05/08/1993 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was Governor James B. Hunt. UNC System President C. D. Spangler Jr. also made remarks. Patricia Shutt gave the Address to Fellow Graduates, and an honorary degree of Doctor of Sciences was awarded to Dr. G. Wallace Giles.

No job upon graduation?No job upon graduation?
12/22/1993 Fall Graduation Exercises

The speaker was Dr. Ernest L. Boyer, president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Cynthia Zuckerman gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. An honorary Doctor of Humane Letters was awarded to Dr. Ernest Boyer.

05/14/1994 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was Elizabeth Dole. She was president of the American Red Cross at the time and later became a U.S. senator. Jacob A. Brown gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Dr. John Hope Franklin and Frank Hawkins Kenan.

Elizabeth Dole, 1994 commencement speakerElizabeth Dole, 1994 commencement speaker
12/21/1994 Fall Graduation Exercises

The speaker was Dr. Albert Carnesale, acting president and provost of Harvard University. David C. Rouzer gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Dr. Benjamin S. Carson (Doctor of Humane Letters) and Mr. Edward E. Hood (Doctor of Humane Letters).

05/13/1995 Spring Commencement

Dr. E. Gordon Gee, president of Ohio State University, gave the commencement address. Eddie Lee Goins gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Dr. William Brantley Aycock (Doctor of Humane Letters) and Gen. Maxwell Reid Thurman (Doctor of Humane Letters).

12/20/1995 Fall Graduation Exercises

The speaker was the Honorable Burley B. Mitchell Jr., Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. Megan Elizabeth Jones gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Dr. Raymond H. Dawson (Doctor of Humane Letters) and Burley B. Mitchell, Jr. (Doctor of Humane Letters). Tribute was paid to former Chancellor John Caldwell who passed away in October 1995.

05/11/1996 Spring Commencement

Fred McFeely Rogers of the TV program "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" gave the commencement address. Andrew Michael Crocker gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. An honorary degree was awarded to Fred Rogers (Doctor of Humane Letters).

Commencement, 1996Commencement, 1996
12/18/1996 Fall Graduation Exercises

Dr. Jerry Punch, doctor, television sports reporter, and NC State alumnus, gave the commencement address. Ms. Ghazale Sharifi-Mehr gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. An honorary degree was awarded to Dr. Prezell Russell Robinson.

05/10/1997 Spring Commencement

The Honorable J. D. Hayworth, U.S. congressman from Arizona, gave the commencement address. Ms. Detria Lakeem Renee Stowe gave the Address to Fellow Graduates.

12/17/1997 Fall Graduation Exercises

The speaker was Dr. Marcus Martin, professor and chairman of emergency medicine at the University of Virginia. Dr. Martin was also a NC State alumnus and founding member of the NC State Board of Visitors. Tammy Dawn Hayes gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Dr. Albert Carnesale and Dr. Ben Rankin Morris.

05/16/1998 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was General Henry Hugh Shelton, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Patricia Festin gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. General Shelton also received a honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, and a honorary Doctor of Humane Letters was awarded to Edgar S. Woolard Jr., CEO of DuPont.

12/16/1998 Fall Graduation Exercises

Benjamin S. Ruffin, chairman of the Board of Governors, gave the address. Bernal E. Hall Jr. gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to former Chancellor Joab Langston Thomas (Doctor of Humane Letters) and Dr. Nicolaas Bloembergen (Doctor of Sciences).

Chancellor Joab ThomasChancellor Joab Thomas
05/15/1999 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was Senator and NC State alumnus John Edwards. Ray Starling gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to author Kaye Gibbons and Katharine Stinson, the first woman to graduate with an engineering degree from NC State.

Katharine Stinson with three studentsKatharine Stinson with three students
12/15/1999 Fall Graduation Exercises

This was the first ceremony held in the Entertainment and Sports Arena (later PNC Arena). The speaker was Gerald J. Butters, president of Lucent Technologies' Optical Networking Group. Lucent recently announced that they would build an optical networking and development facility on Centennial Campus. Lori Denise Wagoner gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. A honorary degree was awarded to Dr. John Thomas Biggers.

2000s

05/20/2000 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was the Honorable Donna Shalala, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Luke Perry gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Donna Shalala and the Reverend Billy Graham.

12/20/2000 Fall Graduation Exercises

The speaker was the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame. Sandra Thomason gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Mr. Ray Anderson, Dr. F. Albert Cotton, Dr. Peter C. Doherty, the Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, Hon. Hipolito Mejia, and Mr. Vernon Owens.

05/19/2001 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was Dr. Harm de Blij, a geographer for both ABC and NBC. Henry Ward gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Dr. de Blij, Dr. Jane E. Henney, Ms. Ruby Vann Crumpler McSwain, Dr. T. Ming Chu, Dr. Walter M. Fitch, and Dr. Neal F. Lane.

12/19/2001 Fall Graduation Exercises

The speaker was Hon. James B. Hunt Jr., former Governor of North Carolina. Teresa Murchie gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Robert H. Buckman, Alan T. Dickson, Charles E. Hammer, James B. Hunt Jr., Larry K. Monteith, and Douglas M. Orr.

Chancellor Larry MonteithChancellor Larry Monteith
05/18/2002 Spring Commencement

Mr. William James Raspberry, Washington Post Pulitzer prize-winning columnist, gave the commencement address. Jason Grissom gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to James P. Comer, James J. Duderstadt, Lee Smith, Charles M. Vest, and William J. Raspberry.

12/18/2002 Fall Graduation Exercises

The speaker was Dr. James H. Goodnight, CEO and founder of the SAS Institute. Caitlyn Boon gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to James H. Goodnight and Thomas Karl.

05/17/2003 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was Emmy and Peabody-award winning TV host Phil Donahue. Elizabeth Rose Gutierrez gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Ken Burns, William G. Hill, E. Carroll Joyner, and Cyma Rubin.

12/17/2003 Fall Graduation Exercises

The speaker was Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She was also the first African American woman to receive a doctorate from MIT and the first African American woman to become chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The Address to Fellow Graduates was given by John Victor O'Janpa. Honorary degrees were awarded to Shirley Jackson, Dan K. McNeill, John P. Sall, and E. Travis York.

05/15/2004 Spring Commencement

Lieutenant General Dan K. McNeill gave the commencement address. General McNeill was a commanding officer of military forces in Afghanistan. Lauren Welch gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Eva Clayton (Doctor of Humane Letters), Harvey Littleton (Doctor of Fine Arts) and Steve Wozniak (Doctor of Sciences).

12/15/2004 Fall Graduation Exercises

The speaker was R. Scott Wallinger, retired senior vice president of MeadWestvaco corporation. Nathaniel Charles Horner gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Scott Wallinger, Richard E. Benedick, and Robert Ward.

05/14/2005 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, president of Bennett College in Greensboro. She was the first African American to serve as chair of the board of the United Way. Anna Edens gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Richard Meier (Doctor of Fine Arts), Patrick Moore (Doctor of Sciences), and Johnnetta Cole (Doctor of Humane Letters).

12/14/2005 Fall Graduation Exercises

The speaker was William R. McNeal, superintendent of Wake County Public Schools. Austin Leigh Duncan gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Dean Kamen (Doctor of Sciences), W. Duke Kimbrell (Doctor of Humane Letters), Hugh Morton (Doctor of Humane Letters), and William R. McNeal (Doctor of Humane Letters).

05/13/2006 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was Dr. Ralph J. Cicerone, president of the National Academy of Sciences. Jared P. Milrad gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to David Effron (Doctor of Fine Arts), J. Stuart Hunter (Doctor of Sciences), Daniel L. McFadden (Doctor of Sciences), John Ruffin (Doctor of Sciences), George S. Tolley (Doctor of Sciences), and Ralph J. Cicerone (Doctor of Sciences).

12/20/2006 Fall Graduation

The speaker was the Honorable Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, chairman of the American Red Cross and CEO of Pace Communications. Benton William Langley gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Roscoe R. Braham Jr. (Doctor of Sciences), Lynn Margulis (Doctor of Sciences), Roger Milliken (Doctor of Sciences), Rex M. Nettleford (Doctor of Fine Arts), and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter (Doctor of Humane Letters).

Winter 2006 graduationWinter 2006 graduation
05/12/2007 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was Dr. Kenneth Olden, head of the Metastasis Section at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and visiting professor at the Harvard School of Public Health. Ronald Johnson gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Eduardo Catalano (Doctor of Fine Arts), Roger Milliken (Doctor of Sciences), and Kenneth Olden (Doctor of Sciences).

12/19/2007 Fall Graduation

The speaker was Mr. Billy Ray Hall, founding president of the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center. He also served four different North Carolina governors in various policy positions. Michelle Pine gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to David H. Blackwell (Doctor of Sciences), Walter Royal Davis (Doctor of Humane Letters), Arlinda Locklear (Doctor of Humane Letters), Arthur Tab Williams Jr. (Doctor of Humane Letters), ... More

05/10/2008 Spring Commencement

Erskine B. Bowles, University of North Carolina System president, gave the commencement address. Christina Johnson gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Pat Mora (Doctor of Humane Letters), Richard G. Robb (Doctor of Humane Letters), and C.D. Spangler Jr. (Doctor of Humane Letters).

NC State University, Continuing Education, connecting in North CarolinaNC State University, Continuing Education, connecting in North Carolina
12/17/2008 Fall Graduation

The speaker was William ("Bill") L. Cowher, NC State alumnus and former Super Bowl-winning coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Address to Fellow Graduates was given by James E. O. Hankins II. Honorary degrees were awarded to Freeman A. Hrabowski III (Doctor of Sciences) and Carl E. Wieman (Doctor of Sciences).

05/09/2009 Spring Commencement

Dr. John Seely Brown, co-chairman of the Deloitte Center for Edge Innovation, gave the commencement address. He previously was chief scientist of Xerox Corporation. John C. Mickey, Jr. gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Sarita E. Brown (Doctor of Humane Letters), Wayne A. Fuller (Doctor of Sciences), and John Seely Brown (Doctor of Sciences).

12/19/2009 Fall Graduation

The speaker was Rajendra K. Pachauri, a world leader in the study of climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize while Pachauri was chairman. Emma Norton gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Jack Ward Thomas (Doctor of Sciences), G. Smedes York (Doctor of Humane letters), and Rajendra K. Pachauri (Doctor of Sciences).

2010s

05/15/2010 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was Charles P. Rose, host of the Charlie Rose Show. Lianne Gonsalves gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to I. King Jordon (Doctor of Humane Letters), William Julius Wilson (Doctor of Humane Letters) and Charles P. Rose, Jr. (Doctor of Humane Letters).

12/18/2010 Fall Graduation

The speaker was General Raymond T. Odierno, commander of the United States Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia. He was also commanding general of the Multi-National Force in Iraq from 2008 to 2010. Heidi Sullivan gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Deanna Bowling Marcum (Doctor of Humane letters), Raymond T. Odierno (Doctor of Humane letters), and Richard Sapper (Doctor of Fine Arts).

05/14/2011 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was James E. Rogers, president and CEO of Duke Energy. Kimberley Spence gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Robert Weiss (Doctor of Fine Arts) and James E. Rogers (Doctor of Humane Letters).

12/17/2011 Fall Graduation

The speaker was Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, Nobel laureate for his work on climate change. He was also director-general of the Energy and Resources Institute. Lindsey Pullum gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Ray A. Buchanan (Doctor of Humane Letters Degree), Robert G. Stanton (Doctor of Sciences Degree), and Rajendra K. Pachauri (Doctor of Sciences Degree).

05/12/2012 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was Philip Rivers, quarterback for the San Diego Chargers and NC State alumnus. He broke many records during his four years as quarterback at NC State. Jason Cooper gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Robert B. Jordan III (Doctor of Sciences) and David H. Murdock (Doctor of Sciences).

Carter Finley Stadium, Pillar RiversCarter Finley Stadium, Pillar Rivers
12/15/2012 Fall Graduation

The commencement speaker was Dickson B. "Doc" Hendley, founder and president of "Wine to Water," a non-profit organization aimed at providing clean water to those in need. Garik Sadovy gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. An honorary degree was awarded to Dr. James H. Woodward (Doctor of Sciences).

Interim Chancellor James H. WoodwardInterim Chancellor James H. Woodward
05/11/2013 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was NC State alumnus Philip G. Freelon. Freelon was founder and president of the Freelon Group, an award-winning architectural firm that specialized in higher education, science and technology, and cultural institution projects. Jessica Ekstrom gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Indra K. Nooyi (Doctor of Humane Letters) and Michael Wingfield (Doctor of Sciences).

12/18/2013 Fall Graduation

The speaker was NC State Chancellor Randolph "Randy" Woodson. Ryan Lawrence Coble gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Anthony Badger (Doctor of Humane Letters) and Hayden White (Doctor of Humane Letters).

Chancellor Randy WoodsonChancellor Randy Woodson
05/10/2014 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was David S. Ferriero, 10th archivist of the United States. Nasser Alexander Koucheki gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Thomas H. Sayre (Doctor of Fine Arts) and David S. Ferriero (Doctor of Human Letters).

12/18/2014 Fall Graduation

The speaker was Vivian Howard, owner of the "Chef & the Farmer" restaurant in Kinston, NC, and star of the PBS reality show "A Chef's Life." The Address to Fellow Graduates was given by Bethaney Lewis. An honorary degree was awarded to Dr. George Whitesides.

05/09/2015 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was France A. Cordova, director of the National Science Foundation and president emerita of Purdue University. Lela Johnston gave the Address to Fellow Graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Brigadier General Clara L. Adams-Ender and Dr. Betsy Bennett.

12/18/2015 Fall Graduation

The commencement speaker was Karl Eikenberry, former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan and director of Stanford University’s U.S.-Asia Security Initiative. Honorary degrees were awarded to Eikenberry and Dr. Pedro Sanchez, director of the Agriculture and Food Security Center at Columbia University’s Earth Institute.

05/08/2016 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was Admiral Michelle Howard of the U.S. Navy, the first African-American woman to become a four star admiral. Honorary degrees were awarded to Admiral Howard; anthropologist Jean Schensul, founding director and senior scientist with the Institute for Community Research; and Lawrence J. Wheeler, director of the North Carolina Museum of Art.

12/16/2016 Fall Graduation

The speaker was UNC System President Margaret Spellings. Spellings served as U.S. Secretary of Education from 2005 to 2009. Dr. Mildred Dresselhaus, professor emerita at MIT, received an honorary Doctor of Sciences.

05/13/2017 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane. Dr. David Christian, director of the Big History Institute, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Architect Philip G. Freelon received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts. Freelon was lead architect for the National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall. The student commencement speaker was Yasmine Connor.

12/15/2017 Fall Graduation

Chancellor Randy Woodson delivered the commencement address. Honorary degrees were granted to Martine Rothblatt, a lawyer, biotech company founder, satellite radio innovator and author; and Masahiro Shima, founder and chairman of the board of directors of Shima Seiki Manufacturing Limited, known for innovations in garment manufacturing.

Earth Day 2017Earth Day 2017
05/12/2018 Spring Commencement

Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund, was the commencement speaker. Honorary degrees were conferred to Edelman and on Temple Grandin, a pioneer in improving the handling and welfare of farm animals, and an advocate for people with autism.

12/19/2018 Fall Commencement

The commencement speaker was Dr. Christine Mann Darden, a 30-year NASA engineer and executive and internationally recognized expert in aerodynamics. She also received an honorary Doctor of Sciences degree.

05/11/2019 Spring Commencement

The commencement speaker was Virginia M. "Ginni" Rometty, chairman, president and chief executive officer of IBM. She also received an honorary Doctor of Sciences. Craig Dykers, founding partner of architectural firm Snohetta, received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts. The James B. Hunt Library was designed by Snohetta.

12/19/2019 Fall Commencement

The commencement speaker was Dr. William L. Roper, Interim President of the UNC System. Dr. Roper previously served as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts was granted to Curtis Worth Fentress, a world-renowned designer of iconic public architecture.

2020s

2020 Spring Commencement postponed

For the first time in NC State history, commencement was postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was originally planned for May 9. A virtual celebration video was released instead.

12/04/2020 Virtual Fall Commencement

Commencement was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alumnus Christina Hammock Koch received an honorary degree and gave the commencement address. NASA astronaut Koch served as a flight engineer on the International Space Station, set the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, and participated in the first all-woman spacewalk.

05/14/2021-05/15/2021 Spring Commencement

To ensure social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, spring commencement was held in two sessions over two days. It was held in Carter-Finley Stadium, the first time since 1997. NFL quarterback and alumnus Russell Wilson was the commencement speaker. Honorary degrees were awarded to alumnus Jeff Williams, chief operating officer at Apple and to alumna Ashley Christensen, James Beard-award winning chef.

08/28/2021 2020 Commencement

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the class of 2020 held their postponed commencement in the summer of 2021. The commencement speaker was Cindy Eckert, founder and CEO of the Pink Ceiling. She also received an honorary degree.

12/14/2021 Fall Commencement

Mark Templeton, retired president and CEO of Citrix Systems, was the commencement speaker.

05/07/2022 Spring Commencement

Mohamed L. Mansour was the commencement speaker. Mansour, an international business leader, was chairman of the Mansour Group and Man Capital. He was granted an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Brian Harry, software engineer with One Tree Software and later Microsoft, received an honorary Doctor of Sciences.

12/17/2022 Fall Commencement

Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics, was the commencement speaker.

05/06/2023 Spring Commencement

General Anthony J. Cotton, Commander of the United States Strategic Command, was the commencement speaker.

12/16/2023 Fall Commencement

Debbie Antonelli, ESPN and CBS College Basketball Analyst, was the commencement speaker.

05/04/2024 Spring Commencement

David W. C. MacMillan, Nobel-Prize winning chemist, was the commencement speaker.