Wilmington University celebrated its 53rd Commencement ceremonies on June 2-3, 2024, awarding more than 3,700 academic degrees at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware.
The accomplished Class of 2024 demonstrated exceptional dedication, achieving their academic goals amid professional responsibilities and personal commitments.
Graduates, spanning ages from 18 to 77, represented 60 countries in continents including Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. More than 2,900 completed their degrees entirely online. The online graduating student residing the furthest distance from Delaware lives in Japan, while one graduate traveled from China. All graduates automatically joined Wilmington University’s Alumni Association, comprising 70,000 members.
Student commencement addresses reflected the support and guidance provided by family, friends, faculty, and staff.
Speakers
Seven ceremonies represented the WilmU colleges. Speakers included:
- Dr. Jared Brown – Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (College of Education & Liberal Arts)
- Mr. Agustin “Gus” Castellanos – BS in Computer Science with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence (College of Technology)
- Dr. Cassandra Dike – Doctor of Nursing Practice (College of Health Professions & Natural Sciences)
- Dr. Jessica Hughes – Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science (College of Social & Behavioral Science)
- Ms. Anastasia Jackson – BS in Human Resource Management with a concentration in Business Administration (College of Business)
- Mr. Gary Mayo – MS in Digital Communication (College of Technology)
- Dr. Cari Miller – Doctor of Business Administration (College of Business)
Agustin “Gus” Castellanos, who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a concentration in Artificial Intelligence, represented WilmU’s College of Technology. A native of South Florida, Mr. Castellanos is a first-generation Cuban American who works as a media and production operations manager at the Walt Disney Company.
Mr. Castellanos reflected on the graduates’ tenacity, grit and perseverance to earn their degrees. “We all come from different backgrounds and at different phases of our lives, all united by our time here at Wilmington University,” he said. “Like many of you, I would not have been able to accomplish this without the support of family, friends and faculty who provided the foundation to uplift me throughout this journey.”
Anastasia Jackson represented the College of Business class. Ms. Jackson serves her community as the Kent County business manager for the Delaware Division of Small Business and statewide coordinator of Delaware on MainStreet. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to successfully own and operate Cookie’s Paper Petals, a beloved paper flower store. At WilmU, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management with a Business Administration concentration.
“We have faced numerous challenges, overcome obstacles, and pushed ourselves beyond what we thought was possible,” Ms. Jackson said. “We have grown not only in knowledge but also in character. And now, as we step into the world beyond these walls, armed with the tools and experiences we have acquired, let’s remind ourselves of the power that resides within every one of us.”
“In this room we are sitting among fellow graduates braced for the future,” said Speaker Dr. Cassandra Dike during the College of Health Professions & Natural Sciences ceremony. “Look around and just be in awe of the knowledge in this room, of your future collaborators in creating a better future, perhaps a future politician, nurse executive, or dean sits among us. And know that with this education, we have the foundation to take initiative in our careers, forge an incredible future, and be a great partner to those on our teams.”
“Graduating is not just about our career path or next academic pursuit; it is also the passport to the proverbial doors opening to the future. Take time to celebrate the adventure that is just beginning.”
Wilmington University congratulates the Class of 2024 for their academic accomplishments and wishes them continued success as they embark on the next chapter of their lives and careers.
