Linfield University will honor the graduating Class of 2025 with a series of events culminating in a university-wide commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 1. The ceremony will feature two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Yamhill County native Nicholas Kristof as the keynote speaker. The program also includes remarks from Lucinda Day Fournier ’95, chair of the Linfield University Board of Trustees; and Tracey Kebede-Berhanu ’07, member of the Alumni Leadership Council; graduating student Kayla Hudock ’25; and interim president Becky Johnson.
Kristof, a columnist for The New York Times and author of several best-selling books, including “Tightrope,” which focuses on Yamhill County, will address the graduates. His distinguished career in journalism includes coverage of global issues and humanitarian crises. Kristof grew up near Yamhill, Oregon, and began his journalism career at McMinnville’s News-Register.
The Class of 2025 includes more than 470 students from 16 states and three countries outside the U.S. This includes nearly 50 graduate students, who are earning an M.S. in business, M.S. in sports science and analytics or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Following the commencement ceremony, the Linfield School of Nursing will host its traditional Spring Pinning Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. in the Oak Grove. This ceremony marks the formal entry of nursing graduates into the profession. During the event, graduates are pinned by a selected individual of their choice, symbolizing their transition into the nursing field.
Tickets are not required for either event. Both Commencement and Spring Pinning will also be livestreamed on the Linfield University YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@LinfieldUniversity).
Commencement Week events:
- Thursday, May 29:
- Nursing Student Toast, 4 p.m., Loveridge Hall foyer, Portland campus
- Friday, May 30:
- McMinnville Senior Toast, 4 p.m., W.M. Keck Science Center patio
- Athletic Stole Ceremony, 5:30 p.m., Ted Wilson Gymnasium (by invitation)
- Saturday, May 31:
- Baccalaureate, 2 p.m., Richard and Lucille Ice Auditorium
- Senior Awards, 3:30 p.m., Ted Wilson Gymnasium
- Sunday, June 1:
- Commencement, 10 a.m., Oak Grove
- Spring Pinning Ceremony, 1:30 p.m., Oak Grove
For a complete schedule and additional details, visit Linfield University’s Commencement page at linfield.edu/commencement.
