Fanfare and confetti filled the air as Northwestern State University’s
Spring 2025 graduates celebrated the milestone with friends and family during three ceremonies that took place over three days May 14-15.
“As we gather to celebrate, we embrace the idea of new beginnings, marking not only the end of your academic journey but also but the commencement of a new chapter in your lives,” NSU President James Genovese said. “Your perseverance and dedication have brought you to this moment and we applaud your accomplishments.”
NSU presented 937 degrees to 914 graduates, including an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities to healthcare executive Jerry Adkins (Jaf) Fielder II, a distinguished civic leader and advocate for education and workforce development across Louisiana. As president and chief executive officer of Willis Knighton Health, Fielder oversees the largest healthcare delivery system in north Louisiana, encompassing four acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation institute, a 600-member physician network and The Oaks of Louisiana, the state’s largest retirement community.
The honorary doctorate was bestowed during the commencement program for graduates of NSU’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health in which Fielder’s daughter, Jamie Fielder, earned a Bachelor of Science in Radiological Sciences with a concentration in ultrasound.
“Northwestern has supplied Willis-Knighton with an ongoing supply of well-trained staff members. NSU graduates are some of the best trained employees at Willis-Knighton and we appreciate the outstanding education opportunities that NSU provides,” Fielder said.
Wednesday morning’s ceremony concluded with the commissioning of Caiden Matthews of Shreveport as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. A top ROTC cadet, Matthews earned a degree in business administration and will attend Logistics Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Gregg in Adams, Virginia.
Several graduates overcame significant obstacles to obtain their degrees. Among them is Kayla Graham, a Shreveport native who earned a master’s degree in psychology. Graham is battling a rare form of cancer but pushed herself to complete the degree with her cohort while undergoing treatment.
“While there isn’t currently a cure for my condition, I am embracing life with intention, pursuing my goals and doing the things I love. My journey has been one of resilience and determination, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue striving toward my dreams,” Graham said.
Graduating high school seniors who participated in Dual Enrollment and earned enough credits for an Associate of General Studies degree were also invited to participate in Thursday’s ceremony. Thirty students from six high schools from around the state joined NSU’s commencement to receive their AGS diploma.
“These exceptional students have demonstrated outstanding dedication and perseverance, earning an Associate of General Studies degree while simultaneously completing their high school diplomas. Their achievement is a testament to the power of early college access and the transformative impact of dual enrollment programs,” said Stephanie Henson, director of Electronic Learning and Global Engagement.
NSU’s graduating Class of 1975 returned to campus for their Golden Jubilee. During Thursday’s ceremony, they were presented with 50-year diplomas as part of a two-day celebration that concluded with the 50+ Luncheon in which all graduates from 1975 and earlier were invited.
Genovese said welcoming the Class of 1975 was an opportunity to reflect on the past and look forward to a promising future.
“Your legacy is integral to our continued success. Your return to campus rekindles our friendship and strengthens our community. Thank you for sharing and shaping a vibrant future and for continuing to inspire generations of students,” Genovese said.