UNC Asheville Celebrated Spring 2025 Graduates at Commencement

The University of North Carolina Asheville’s spring Commencement ceremony on May 10, 2025, marked the graduation of over 390 Bulldogs. Held at Kimmel Arena, the event was presided over by Chancellor Kimberly van Noort, with a livestream available on the University’s YouTube channel.

“We recognize the long and challenging road it has been for them, especially during this last year of their college journey. Hurricane Helene impacted us all, and we had to overcome so much to be here today,” van Noort said. “In my many years of working in higher education, I have never seen the kind of resolve and resilience that these students and this campus displayed. You should all be proud of what you have accomplished.”

This diverse graduating class ranged in age from 19 to 61, with 89 percent of the graduates from North Carolina. Also graduating were six international candidates representing Australia, France, Germany, Mexico, Portugal, and Spain.

Psychology and Business are the two most popular majors, with 53 and 32 graduates, respectively. Art, Environmental Science and English rounded out the top five. The average class cumulative GPA was an impressive 3.40.

Tarek Erlewein, an economics and business double major, and recipient of the Manly E. Scholarship Award, was this year’s student speaker. Erlewein was also an integral part of the Men’s Division I Tennis Team. His win over top-seeded Gardner-Webb last year helped secure the team’s 2024 Big South Conference Championship.

Originally from Germany, Erlewein said his tennis team members and roommates played a huge part in making him feel welcome on campus and encouraged his classmates to maintain the relationships they built at UNC Asheville.

“Therefore today is not only about graduating but so much more. It is also about honoring all the friendships and real connections we have made throughout our time together,” Erlewein said. “Stay connected. Keep your people close and take them far beyond today.”

The University also recognized two honorary degree recipients: Janice Brumit and Bruce Goforth. Brumit, who was unable to be present, will receive her honorary degree at the December 2025 commencement ceremony. 

Goforth, a former member of the North Carolina House of Representatives and a contractor by trade, has demonstrated a deep commitment to UNC Asheville, including being an integral part in the building of the Kimmel Arena.

“To receive an honorary doctorate from UNC Asheville—a place of such learning, tradition, and spirit—is a privilege beyond words,” Goforth said. “When I left my term at the North Carolina House of Representative I was looking for ways to help in my community. UNC Asheville provided this opportunity for me.” 

Evelyn Chiang, professor of psychology, was honored with the Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional teaching and honors outstanding tenured faculty members from each of North Carolina’s public universities.

Her current department chair and colleague Mark Harvey states, “Having been her colleague for many years, I believe one of her secrets to success is her openness to new ideas, new methods, and current best practices coupled with a creative and critical mind that innovates … yet observes, reflects, and carefully selects out the effective from the ineffective.”

UNC Asheville also awarded its yearly Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award to Ashley Moraguez, chair and associate professor of political science, for her dedication to educating her students and encouraging their civic engagement.