Home

10%

Congratulations Graduates

Class of 2025

By UIC Creative & Digital Services

May 5^th, 2025

Every graduate has a unique story of resilience, ambition, and transformation. At UIC, we are committed to supporting the whole student: academic journey, sense of belonging, leadership development, and personal growth.

The Class of 2025 exemplifies what can happen when determination meets opportunity. Among these graduates are first-generation scholars, student leaders, transfer trailblazers, and community builders, each one leaving a meaningful mark on the UIC community. In return, UIC has helped shape their paths, offering the support and opportunities to thrive.

This spring, more than 3,400 undergraduate students are expected to earn their degrees. Nearly half are the first in their families to do so—a powerful testament to perseverance and the collective support of families, mentors, and peers.

"I wanted a major that would challenge me. So I picked biomedical engineering, and I got everything that I could have ever wished for and more."

- Arman Raghian

These statistics represent more than just achievements; they reflect a graduating class that has navigated challenges, built meaningful relationships, and made a lasting impact on this campus.

"If I was talking to a younger version of myself, I think that I would tell her to be hopeful. And that you are going to achieve so much."

-Cailin Benitez

Beyond the numbers are the stories that define this moment: siblings cheering from the stands, late-night study sessions shared with friends, professors who recognized potential, and campus spaces that sparked connection and growth. This album celebrates those moments. It is a visual tribute to how far these students have come and a reminder of the possibilities that lie ahead.

Throughout their time at UIC, many graduates embraced leadership, service, and exploration. Through the Flames Internship Grant program, students gained real-world experience with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, City of Chicago, Wildlife for All, and the Asian Community and Development Center, transforming passion into purpose and laying the groundwork for life after graduation.

Some students began their UIC journey as transfer students, bringing fresh perspectives and carving out their place in the university’s academic fabric. Others found community through UIC’s success centers, which are ongoing symbols of the institution’s commitment to access, equity, and student support.

"My favorite memory from UIC is probably doing all the service events with Student Leadership and Civic Engagement, and going off-site and helping the community in and around our campus. I'm really involved with the Pep Band here at UIC, and I'm a part of an honorary society for the German department.

I'm going to be a first-generation graduate, and it means a lot, because my parents have sacrificed a lot to get me here."

-Catelynn O’Neal

I always wanted to be in the field of computer science. I did my bachelors in computer science, and now I'm here on my master's trying to do something for this community. That's what I have always dreamt about.

-Aashik Mathew Prosper

Even in a lecture hall full of 200 to 300 students, each of us are individually unique and we're bringing our own perspective to class.

-Zee Muhammad

These students leave UIC with skills, relationships, and a sense of purpose that will guide them into the future, whether it be graduate study, professional endeavors, service, or personal discovery. Wherever their paths lead, they carry the strength of their experience and the support of the UIC community with them.

Working hard to get this masters is a special thing for me - a really proud moment for me, my family and my friends.

-Anup Raj Gudisse

"UIC really provided me the space and the community where I felt belonging. I was able to build so many friendships, meet so many people, whether it's student orgs or at my current job here. I think I'm just really grateful for the community UIC provided me."

- Salma Abdelhady

UIC Student Affairs believes that every student has the power to lead, grow, and contribute to a more just and vibrant world. As students leave this campus and embark on their next chapter, we hope they remember that their degree is only one part of the legacy they carry forward. Whether our students are starting a new job, pursuing grad school, or exploring next steps, UIC is here to support their transition as students beyond the classroom.

Students can take advantage of benefits like enrolling in Kaplan's industry-leading test prep before graduation for 12 months of free access to test prep for admissions exams, career credentials, licensure, and skills development courses. They can also attend the Summer Success Career Expo on May 22 to meet career staff, campus partners, employers, and alumni. UIC Career Services also offers tools and guidance through the Class of 2025 Career Readiness Resources, providing a launchpad for whatever comes next for our new graduates.

Congratulations again, Class of 2025. Stay bold. Stay connected. And remember—you’ll always be a Flame.

Kaplan Test Prep

Summer Success Career Expo

Class of 2025 Career Readiness Resources

commencement.uic.edu

Footnotes

Photos: Mike Fan, Michael Gomez, Hilary Domke, Lisa Atwood // Video: Nathan Nager, Misha Ardichvili, Abel Juarez, Anup Raj Gudisse // Production: Adam Biba // Creative Direction: Wayne Odle

Button Label

FootNotes

Photos: Mike Fan, Michael Gomez, Hilary Domke, Lisa Atwood // Video: Nathan Nager, Misha Ardichvili, Abel Juarez, Anup Raj Gudisse // Production: Adam Biba // Creative Direction: Wayne Odle

2025

Congratulations Graduates

Class of 2025

FootNotes

A UIC Year in Review

Road to Nationals - 2024/2025

Dining on Campus

Class of 2024

UIC Men's and Women's Basketball, Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, 2024

A festive afternoon downtown