Global Graduation celebrates international and study abroad graduates

May 16, 2025
Rikki Mioduski, Arizona International
A large group of graduating students pose together on stage at the University of Arizona’s Global Graduation celebration. The graduates wear a mix of academic regalia, including caps, gowns, and colorful stoles representing international programs and cultural affiliations. Behind them, a large projection screen displays fireworks and the U of A logo. The event takes place in a decorated banquet hall with audience members seated at round tables, capturing the moment on their phones. The atmosphere is festive

Arizona International hosted the Spring 2025 Global Graduation Celebration in the Student Union Ballroom, welcoming more than 220 guests through its dual event: the International and Study Abroad Celebration. The ceremony honored over 130 graduating students, their guests, faculty, family, friends, and alumni—all there to celebrate the achievements of a truly global Wildcat community. Together, they represented journeys across continents and cultures that embody the University of Arizona’s commitment to global education.

A woman in a magenta blazer stands at a podium adorned with the U of A logo, speaking into two microphones. She faces an audience, with a projection screen visible behind her displaying a faint image. The setting appears to be a formal event, likely the U of A Global Graduation ceremony, where she is delivering remarks or a welcome address. Her expression is composed and engaged.

Vice President for Arizona International and Dean of International Education Dr. Jenny Lee

Vice President for Arizona International and Dean of International Education Dr. Jenny Lee, opened the ceremony with a warm welcome that celebrated the graduating class. She emphasized the unique paths that each student had taken across borders and disciplines to earn their degrees.

“We celebrate the achievements of our international graduates—both on-campus and globally located dual degree students—as well as our study abroad students who exemplify global learning in action,” she said.

Three student speeches captured the heart of the evening, offering reflections on growth, cultural exchange, and dreams realized.

Gabriela Espinoza, the first student speaker, represented one of the roughly 700 dual degree graduates completing their studies this semester across 10 U of A microcampuses.  She graduated magna cum laude with a dual degree in business administration and international business from the University of Arizona and La Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) in Lima, Peru. 

“This journey has never been just about earning a degree,” said Gabriela. “It’s about who we’ve become along the way—braver, wiser, and more connected to the world and to ourselves than ever before,” she said.

Three young women stand side by side smiling at the U of A Global Graduation celebration. Two of them wear stoles representing the University of Arizona and their international or study abroad affiliations—one with a multicolored stole including the Mexican and Indian flags, and the other with a red, white, and blue stole. The woman on the left wears a navy floral blazer and holds a gift bag. The setting is festive and academic, highlighting recognition and celebration of their achievements.

Global Graduation student speakers from left to right: Gabriela Espinoza, Aisha Anoohi, and Teagan Watkins.

Following Gabriela was Teagan Watkins, a dual major in French and applied humanities with an emphasis in public health, who studied abroad in 2024 in Aix-en-Provence, France. She is one of more than 750 domestic students graduating this semester who have spent time abroad, participating in more than 40 different study abroad programs in over 20 countries. Teagan’s address illustrated how global experiences shape personal and professional futures:

“Living and studying abroad taught me more than any classroom could. I learned to adapt, to enjoy time with myself, and to navigate the unpredictable with an open mind,” she shared.

Rounding out the program was Aisha Anoohi, an international student from the United Arab Emirates graduating with a degree in chemical engineering. Aisha is among the more than 600 main campus international students from more than 70 countries who are graduating this semester. Aisha’s connection to the U of A is also personal—her father, a proud Wildcat alumnus from the 1980s, was present in the audience. Her speech tied the generational legacy of the U of A to a timeless spirit of curiosity and connection.

“I’ve come to see why the U of A feels like a second home. Its spirit of curiosity and connection resonates throughout campus, both inside the classroom and out,” she said. “I encourage you to carry this spirit with you, no matter where your journey takes you. Even if we find ourselves scattered across the globe, I hope that we stay connected to the people who make U of A so special.”

The celebration concluded with a heartfelt message from Dr. Lee, who thanked the evening’s musical performers Dr. Angelo Versace, Jack O’Brien, and Kevin Ravellette, and encouraged graduates to stay connected through Arizona Alumni.

“Being a Wildcat doesn’t end at graduation—it’s a lifelong identity. Wherever you go, whatever you pursue, you carry the spirit of this community with you. Keep in touch so we can cheer you on and share your success to inspire others following in your footsteps.”