News Summary
Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, is set to celebrate its 142nd Commencement Ceremony on May 10, 2025, featuring actress Meagan Good as the keynote speaker. The festivities will kick off on May 9 with an Advanced Degree Ceremony for graduate students. ODU expects a historic turnout of over 2,000 undergraduate students from various colleges. Good, known for her diverse career and advocacy work, will inspire graduates as they embark on their next life journey.
Exciting News from Norfolk: Meagan Good to Headline ODU’s 142nd Commencement Ceremony
Norfolk, Virginia, is buzzing with excitement as Old Dominion University (ODU) prepares for its 142nd Commencement Ceremony. Mark your calendars for May 10, 2025, because the talented actress and director Meagan Good will take center stage to deliver the keynote address to graduating undergraduate students. This event promises to be an unforgettable day filled with inspiration and celebration!
Festivities Kick Off Early
The festivities won’t just happen on graduation day; they will begin a day earlier on May 9, with ODU planning an Advanced Degree Ceremony tailored for graduate students. This special event will feature renowned ODU professor John Ford as a guest speaker, giving these soon-to-be graduates the perfect spark of motivation as they prepare to close this chapter of their academic journey.
Meagan Good: A Role Model for a New Generation
As for Meagan Good, she is more than just a familiar face from the silver screen; at 43 years old, she has captured hearts and minds with her diverse career in film, television, and even streaming series. Known well for her breakout role as a child star in the critically acclaimed film “Eve’s Bayou”, Good has since expanded her repertoire to include big hits like “Think Like a Man” and “Anchorman.” Recently, she’s been leading in the Amazon series “Harlem,” which has earned her a NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.
ODU Community Gathers to Celebrate
President Brian O. Hemphill expressed immense pride in having Good as their keynote speaker, hailing her as a “powerful voice of inspiration” for the Class of 2025. Hemphill believes that her impactful career and dedication to advocacy and empowerment will resonate with graduates as they embark on their next life adventure. After all, it’s all about learning to transition into adulthood with strength and purpose!
Record Numbers Expected
This year, the university is expecting a historic turnout, with over 2,000 undergraduate students set to participate in the ceremonies. These graduates hail from various colleges across ODU, including Engineering and Technology, Business, Health Sciences, Nursing, Arts and Letters, Sciences, Education, Cybersecurity, and Data Science. That’s quite the impressive array of talent!
Meagan Good’s Inspiring Journey
Meagan Good’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Transitioning from a young star to a director and advocate, she has become a role model for many. This role aligns perfectly with the spirit of graduation, as her experiences reflect the very essence of overcoming challenges and striving for success—values all graduates can aspire to embody.
A Memorable Day Ahead
The commencement ceremony, set to take place at Kornblau Field inside S.B. Ballard Stadium, will serve not only as a celebration of accomplishments but also as a launching pad for graduates as they prepare to carve out their futures. With Good’s star-studded presence, the students of ODU can look forward to a day filled with motivation, wisdom, and perhaps a sprinkle of Hollywood magic!
So, whether you’re a student, a family member, or just a community member looking to cheer on these graduates, Norfolk is the place to be as ODU honors the achievements of its Class of 2025. Get ready for an inspiring ceremony that will surely leave its mark on the hearts of all who attend!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- MSN: Meagan Good Tapped to Inspire Graduates
- BET: Meagan Good Announced as Commencement Speaker
- Philly Tribune: Meagan Good Discusses New Film
- Fox 23: Meagan Good to Divorce Devon Franklin
- AOL: Jonathan Majors Domestic Violence Case
- Wikipedia: Meagan Good
- Google Search: Meagan Good
- Google Scholar: Meagan Good
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Meagan Good
- Google News: Meagan Good
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
