Colorado State University Global Hosts Commencement for 2024-2025 Graduates

The ceremony featured special remarks from student Kaitlyn McCormick.

DENVER, June 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, June 12, Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) celebrated the milestone of over 1,100 undergraduate and graduate students earning their degrees at its Spring 2025 Commencement. To be inclusive of graduates across the globe, CSU Global hosted both the in-person event in Denver, Colorado, paired with a virtual ceremony for those unable to travel.

The keynote address was given by Michelle Lucero, strategic advisor, executive coach, motivational speaker, and former Chief Administrative Officer at Children's Hospital. In addition, the event featured a special speech from graduate Kaitlyn McCormick, who earned her B.S. in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics.

McCormick was born deaf, but she has never let that define her potential. After several attempts to complete college, she engaged with CSU Global and proudly graduated as a single mother who never gave up. CSU Global provided the launchpad she needed to take the next step in her career, where she now leads a team and continues to grow as a professional. Moving forward in her CSU Global journey, she is currently pursuing a master's degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, with the goal of becoming a software engineer.

"I needed a program where I could successfully obtain a formal college education and gain useful skills to help me advance in my field. When I researched online schools with flexible schedules, I also wanted to make sure there was a supportive environment with accessibility as a top factor. After interviewing multiple schools and consulting reviews from friends and online, I found CSU Global was the best fit for my situation," said McCormick. "When I began this journey of earning my degree, I wasn't sure I'd make it. I was working full-time, raising a child on my own, and navigating a world that doesn't always see — or hear — people like me. But strength doesn't come from having perfect circumstances — it comes from refusing to quit when everything tells you to. What others may see as limits, I see as launchpads. With the support of CSU Global's team, I was able to earn my degree and take this next step in my career."

McCormick and her fellow graduates, many of whom are post-traditional learners –adults, parents, first-generation students, or military service members working a full-time job and learning new skills and knowledge for their workplace success while juggling other responsibilities to complete a course, certificate, or degree program at the same time – walked the stage in recognition of their dedication, perseverance, and success in achieving their dreams of earning a college degree.

"This commencement ceremony affirms CSU Global's mission to provide accessible, career-connected education that transforms lives and professional opportunities," said Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker, CSU Global's President. "Our graduates, program-completers, and learners, from across Colorado and the globe, represent the best of what is possible through high-quality online learning. They are now equipped to make significant contributions to their organizations, industries, and communities. Our entire staff and faculty are incredibly proud of their dedication to their goals and achievements."

The in-person ceremony was held at Denver's Bellco Theatre, and the virtual ceremony streamed simultaneously at csuglobal.edu/commencement.

About Colorado State University Global
Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) offers career-relevant bachelor's and master's degree programs for working adults and post-traditional learners. As the first 100% online, fully accredited public university in the United States, CSU Global is focused on student success as its number one priority. Embracing the land grant heritage as part of the Colorado State University System, CSU Global sets the standard for quality and innovation in higher education through its expert faculty who are recognized as industry leaders and trained in working with adults in an online learning environment. CSU Global offers accelerated eight-week courses that start every four weeks. Visit CSUGlobal.edu to learn more.

SOURCE Colorado State University Global