More than 1,800 Auburn graduates filled Neville Arena on Dec. 14 to celebrate their achievements and transition into the university’s network of more than 329,000 alumni. Honoring their academic and personal milestones, the three ceremonies commemorated the graduates and celebrated their triumphs throughout their time on campus, culminating in a men’s basketball team victory Sat. afternoon.

Highlighting their dedication and perseverance, the ceremonies set the stage for a future filled with limitless possibilities. In his remarks, President Christopher B. Roberts emphasized the importance of unity and responsibility. “You stand together, united by your hard work, determination, and commitment to excellence,” Roberts said. “Your degree is not simply a piece of paper; it symbolizes your responsibility to use your skills and talents to better society.”

Auburn's fall commencement was marked by three ceremonies, each featuring a keynote address by Gerald Pouncey ('82), chairman of Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP. Drawing on his Auburn experience and distinguished career, Pouncey encouraged the graduates to forge their own paths and embrace their future endeavors with a focus on meaningful change and the principles of the Auburn Creed.

“I still consider the chemical engineering degree I obtained from Auburn to be the foundation of anything I’ve accomplished in life,” Pouncey said. “My degree taught me how to think critically and the value of hard work. Most importantly, my degree taught me that graduation should only be the beginning of my education.”

Throughout his 40-year career, Pouncey has established a reputation as a renowned leader in environmental law and infrastructure practices that emphasize sustainable development. His work has advanced brownfield development and legislation across the US, including acclaimed Atlantic Station Redevelopment in Midtown, Atlanta. The $2 billion project, recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the nation's best Brownfield redevelopment, transformed the former industrial site into a vibrant mixed-use community.

During his remarks, Pouncey encouraged the graduates to embrace adaptability, leverage their experiences and commit to lifelong learning. “We live in a changing world, and the only way to succeed is to adapt to that change, learn from that change and seize the opportunities it creates,” he said. “You should strive to learn each day and count the day of success if you learn something that equips you to face the challenges better and realize the opportunities the future brings.”

The 1 pm ceremony, which celebrated over 350 doctoral, master's and education specialist degrees from all colleges, encouraged the graduates to continue advancing solutions and transforming lives with a focus on selfless service. This message particularly resonated with Margarita Deas, a graduate student from Fayetteville, NC, who earned her master’s degree in foreign languages and curriculum. “This has been a very challenging journey for me, but a very rewarding one,” the middle-school teacher said.

In addition to graduates from seven colleges, the 6 pm ceremony featured the presentation of an Honorary Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, to 1959 engineering graduate Charles Gavin, III. Among the highest accolades awarded by the institution, the honorary degree recognized Gavin’s role as a pioneer in the textile industry and efforts to advance engineering innovation, entrepreneurship and philanthropy for over six decades.

“Through his visionary leadership and commitment to innovation, Charles Gavin exemplifies what it means to live the Auburn Creed and lead a life of selfless service,” Roberts said. “Beyond his professional achievements, Charles and his family have devoted their lives to philanthropy, education and the arts. Their generous support of Auburn includes funding scholarships, fellowships and facilities such as the Gavin Engineering Research Laboratory and the Gavin Gardens.” Following the conferral, Gavin was presented with a doctoral hood and framed diploma.

The day’s final ceremony was marked by a cappella performance of the National Anthem and Alma Mater by a quartet of Auburn Singers. The students – Hope Brown, Samuel Gantt, Alaina Keller and Gavin Lyle – all graduated from the College of Education with degrees in music education.

“Saturday was such a special day, and I’m incredibly honored to have had the opportunity to sing in my college’s ceremony,” Keller said. “Standing alongside my peers and celebrating everything we’ve worked so hard to achieve was a moment I’ll never forget! Being able to sing the Alma Mater while surrounded by my fellow Auburn family with such love and pride was deeply moving.”

Videos of the university’s fall ceremonies are available on the commencement website.