Commencement ceremonies, celebrations for fall graduates
University commencement ceremonies will be held Dec. 19-20
December 15, 2025
President Wintersteen will congratulate graduates for the last time during fall commencement ceremonies. During her tenure, more than 60,000 students have graduated from Iowa State.
AMES, Iowa – Cardinal and gold streamers will fall from the rafters of Hilton Coliseum this weekend as Iowa State University celebrates fall graduates during commencement ceremonies.
An estimated 1,803 students are completing degrees this semester, including 1,462 bachelor’s degree recipients and 341 graduate students earning a master’s or doctoral degree. The graduate ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, and the undergraduate ceremony at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20.
President Wendy Wintersteen will congratulate students crossing the stage in Hilton for the final time before she retires on Jan. 2. During Wintersteen’s tenure as president, more than 60,000 students have graduated from Iowa State.
Honorary degree
For more than 50 years, Allen Christian served as manager of the swine teaching farm at Iowa State – a farm that now bears his name. To recognize Christian’s impact on animal science, swine production and student development, Iowa State is awarding Christian an honorary Doctor of Science degree.
As farm manager, Christian employed and mentored countless students, instilling in them responsibility, accountability and the confidence to make decisions. He created a legacy of leadership in the industry as many of his students went on to become leaders around the world. They credit their impact in large part to Christian’s mentorship.
Commencement speakers
Phillips 66 Chairman and CEO Mark Lashier will speak at the undergraduate ceremony. Lashier holds 13 U.S. patents and earned a Bachelor of Science and doctorate in chemical engineering from Iowa State. He’s held several leadership roles and serves on the Iowa State University’s College of Engineering Industrial Advisory Council.
Dipali Sashital, the Roy J. Carver Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology and Suresh Faculty Fellow at Iowa State, will give the commencement address for the graduate ceremony. Sashital has played a leading role in bringing cryo-electron microscopy to Iowa State, helping establish state-of-the-art facilities that strengthen the university’s structural biology research and foster collaborations across departments.
More celebrations
The six undergraduate colleges will honor graduating students at their own convocations and receptions on Friday or Saturday morning. Click on the college name below for a link to the event livestream or reception details.
Parking is available between Hilton Coliseum and Jack Trice Stadium and in the lots north of Hilton and the Scheman Building. Additional parking is available at Jack Trice Stadium and Maple Willow Larch (click here for parking maps).
Guests should plan to arrive early to find parking; carpooling is encouraged. Handicap parking is available in lot C2, directly south of Hilton.
To ensure the safety of all guests, graduates, faculty and staff attending commencement ceremonies, a clear bag policy with be enforced. More information is available in this FAQ.
When Nevaeh Belgrave walks across the stage to receive her degree in management information systems (MIS) from Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business, she’ll carry more than a diploma. She’ll carry the experiences, relationships and leadership roles that shaped her journey from a first-generation student to a campus leader.
It was only one year ago when Cal Clucas wasn’t sure he’d ever walk again. This week, he’ll stride across the stage to receive his degree from Iowa State University.
