To the Class of 2025,
Your university experience was unlike any before it.
You began your college journey amidst global uncertainty — navigating hybrid classrooms, socially distanced events and moments of isolation. And yet, through it all, you forged community, preserved traditions and built new pathways for what student life could be.
In Student Affairs, our mission has always centered on preparing students for life through the pillars of leadership, advocacy, career development and well-being. Throughout your years at OU, you embraced those values. You led with intention, used your voice for positive change, pursued meaningful growth and prioritized community belonging. You made this campus better — for yourselves and for those who follow.
As you prepare for your next chapter, carry this with you: You are prepared. You are needed. And you belong in every room you enter.
Our goal has always been to walk alongside you as you discover your purpose, find your voice, and connect with a community that sees and celebrates you. Whether through campus involvement, service, leadership programs, cultural experiences, wellness support, or simply a moment of encouragement — you showed up, and you showed out.
In that spirit, members of our Student Affairs team have shared parting words to guide and inspire you as you take your next steps:
“Embrace the inevitability of change — it’s not disruption; it’s evolution. The world needs people like you who can adapt, innovate and stay grounded while everything around them shifts. That’s not just resilience; that’s leadership.”
— Mike “Moog” Aguilar, director of esports and co-curricular innovation; advisor, OU Gaming Club
“Everything you’ve done here — every late night, every moment of growth — has equipped you more than you may realize. You don’t have to be perfect to be ready. Trust what you’ve built within yourself.”
— Kari Dawkins, associate director, Leadership and Volunteerism; advisor, President’s Community Scholars
“As you move forward, seek out the kind of community that sees you, supports you and challenges you to grow. That’s what made your time at OU powerful, and that’s what will continue to shape your future.”
— Quy Nguyen, assistant dean of students; director, Office of Student Life
The Class of 2025 has not only endured — you’ve inspired and transformed the world around you. On behalf of the Division of Student Affairs, I extend my heartfelt congratulations as you reach the culmination of your undergraduate journey at the University of Oklahoma.
No matter where life takes you, you’ll always be part of the OU family.
David A. Surratt, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
The University of Oklahoma
