Celebrating the CFANS Class of 2025
May 13, 2025
The University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) proudly celebrated its Class of 2025 with two unforgettable commencement ceremonies that honored the achievements, passion, and promise of nearly 600 graduates.
Undergraduate Commencement
Held on Friday, May 9, at the 3M Arena at Mariucci, CFANS Undergraduate Commencement brought together nearly 500 graduates and their families for a spirited afternoon of celebration. The ceremony featured inspiring remarks from CFANS Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs Julie Grossman, CFANS Dean Brian Buhr, and keynote speaker and globally renowned pollinator expert, Professor Emerita Marla Spivak.
Undergraduate student speaker Lauren Lugbauer challenged her classmates to rise to the global challenges ahead with purpose and optimism:
She closed with a message that resonated deeply across the arena:
Watch a recording of the ceremonyView photos from Undergraduate Commencement
Students will receive a separate gallery of GradImages posed photos in the coming weeks.
Graduate Commencement
The following day, Saturday, May 10, CFANS Graduate Commencement was held in the elegant Ted Mann Concert Hall, where approximately 100 master's and doctoral students crossed the stage. The ceremony honored the culmination of years of research, perseverance, and discovery. Distinguished guests included University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham, Dean Brian Buhr, and keynote speaker Julie Simonson (PhD ’90, Food Science), a leader in science-driven innovation.
Graduate student speaker Caitlin Klaeui offered a powerful reminder of the graduates’ achievements:
Watch a recording of the ceremonyView photos from Graduate Commencement
Students will receive a separate gallery of GradImages posed photos in the coming weeks.
As both ceremonies came to a close, one message rang clear: the Class of 2025 leaves CFANS ready to lead with knowledge, compassion, and a commitment to creating a better world. We can’t wait to see what they do next.
