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| Congressman Shomari Figures | Thasunda Duckett |
By Hazel Scott/ASU
Alabama State University will celebrate the achievements of its spring graduates during the University’s 311th Commencement Convocation on Friday, May 2, 2025. This year’s ceremonies will feature keynote addresses from two prominent leaders known for their influence in their fields and dedication to service and community impact.
The Commencement exercises, which will take place at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome, will recognize students' accomplishments across undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs.
CONGRESSMAN FIGURES TO SPEAK AT THE MORNING CONVOCATION
The events will begin at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, May 2, with Congressman Shomari C. Figures, the representative for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, as the keynote speaker.
Figures’ dedication to public service was inspired by his parents. His father, the late Michael Figures, served as a state senator and lawyer who advocated for civil rights in Alabama. His mother, Vivian Figures, served on the Mobile City Council and currently holds the position of state senator.
The Mobile, Alabama, native attended the University of Alabama for both his undergraduate and law degrees. Before being elected to Congress, he held several roles across the federal government. He first served as a federal law clerk, then as President Barack Obama’s White House Domestic Director of Presidential Personnel. He later served as a White House Liaison at the Department of Justice before becoming a counsel in the United States Senate. Figures returned to the Department of Justice as Deputy Chief of Staff to Attorney General Merrick Garland.
Figures is married to Dr. Kalisha Dessources Figures, and they have three children.
TIAA CEO THASUNDA BROWN DUCKETT TO ADDRESS GRADUATES AT AFTERNOON CONVOCATION
Thasunda Brown Duckett, President and CEO of TIAA, will be the keynote speaker at the 1:45 p.m. commencement ceremony.
Duckett oversees a major U.S. financial services firm providing secure retirements and investment solutions for millions of people and thousands of institutions. Under her leadership, TIAA has extended its mission beyond higher education to help all Americans saving for retirement.
Duckett influences various spheres as she serves on boards including NIKE, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, and Sesame Workshop. She is also a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. An MBA graduate from Baylor University and an alumna of the University of Houston, Duckett exemplifies resilience and commitment. She actively supports initiatives to advance financial inclusion and opportunity.
COMMENCEMENT SCHEDULE
8:45 a.m. Ceremony
Students from the following schools will graduate at this ceremony:
The Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School
The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
The College of Education
The College of Visual and Performing Arts
The University College
1:45 p.m. Ceremony
Students from the following schools will graduate at this ceremony:
The Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School
The College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
The Dr. Percy J. Vaughn, Jr., College of Business Administration
The College of Health Sciences
COMMENCEMENT INFORMATION
Please note that the University will be enforcing its Clear Bag Policy for all attendees.
For additional information, contact ASU's Academic Affairs office at 334-229-4232.