A graduating student and a family member hold their hats in place against strong winds before the campus-wide commencement ceremony on May 17. The days leading up to commencement were characterized by intense weather in Illinois, including thunderstorms, tornadoes and dust storms.
Students preparing to graduate pack tightly into a city bus on their way to the general commencement ceremony. Crowds of people wearing orange and blue graduation gowns could be seen walking across campus toward Memorial Stadium, where the ceremony was held.
A student spots familiar faces in the stands at Memorial Stadium at the campus-wide commencement ceremony on May 17. Thousands of students and their families attended the ceremony, filling most of the stadium's lower-level seats.
University Chancellor Robert Jones asks the class of 2025, “Can I get a selfie with you?” followed by loud cheering and applause. Jones ended his final year at Illinois by giving the commencement speech at the 2025 general commencement ceremony on May 17.
An American Sign Language interpreter makes commencement more accessible, translating speeches, songs and applause for attendees who are deaf or hard of hearing. Captions were also displayed on the video boards above the stage where speeches were given.
Friends and family of Illinois's graduating class of 2025 don hats, scarves and sunglasses in an attempt to block the sun from their eyes while watching commencement speeches in the densely-packed stands of Memorial Stadium.
Students in blue caps and gowns fill Zuppke Field during the Illinois general commencement ceremony on May 17. The ceremony took roughly two hours, and many students entered Memorial Stadium late or left early.
Attendees sing "Hail to the Orange" to conclude the commencement ceremony. The school song, written in 1910, is traditionally performed at University events including football games and convocation ceremonies.
Orange and blue confetti fills the air as students move their tassels and cheer, having officially graduated.
Chancellor Robert Jones takes selfies with a graduate following the 2025 commencement ceremony on May 17. Jones was known for his promise to take pictures with any student who asked during his time as Chancellor.
A group of Illinois graduates take a selfie after the general commencement ceremony on May 17.
Illinois graduates leave Memorial Stadium following the general commencement ceremony on May 17. Individual unit commencement ceremonies were held on May 10, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19.
Confetti litters the ground as Illinois graduates walk out of Memorial Stadium, having become new members of Illinois's alumni.
