Marietta College held its Fall Commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in the Alma McDonough Auditorium, recognizing 21 Pioneers who completed their undergraduate degree requirements during the fall semester. The ceremony brought together families, friends, faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees to celebrate academic achievement and the graduates’ next chapter as members of the Long Blue Line.
Fall Commencement offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the persistence and commitment that brought graduates to this moment. The campus community looked ahead with confidence as the Class of Fall 2025 prepared to carry their knowledge and experience forward.
Marietta College President Dr. Kathleen Poorman Dougherty welcomed graduates and guests, followed by the College Hymn, led by Olivia Emery and accompanied by Music Department Chair Merewyn Weinkauf. Formal remarks and ceremony proceedings preceded the conferral of degrees, which included Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science graduates.
“Each of our graduates set a life-changing goal — to further their education and complete the requirements for an undergraduate degree. They have succeeded,” Dougherty said. “By dint of their own effort, the effort and support of Marietta’s faculty and staff, and the love and support of their families and friends, each of today’s graduates has earned the right to be recognized and celebrated.”
Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Jim Wilson offered remarks, reflecting on the legacy graduates now join.
“For generations, graduates have left Marietta and become contributors to and leaders of their families, their places of work, their communities and our nation,” Wilson said. “Today, you join this Long Blue Line of distinguished Marietta College alumni who have brought honor to this college through their accomplishments.”
During the ceremony, President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty offered words of encouragement as graduates looked ahead to the next chapter of their lives, followed by the conferral of degrees presided over by Provost Dr. Suzanne Walker.
“I can assure you, you are smart enough, and you are ready. There will still be a lot to learn, but you’ve learned here to navigate challenge and to take advantage of new opportunities. That’s what will be most important to you as you leave Marietta. We hope you will value the relationships — the friends, the mentors, the coaches — but most importantly, we hope you will value your capacity to think of every challenge as an opportunity to reimagine your story, what you are capable of, and how you can contribute productively,” Dougherty said. “Though the path may be winding, the journey will be worth it. I hope for every one of you that portion of the idealized life you have imagined will come to pass. But I encourage you to be willing to adjust your narrative. You have so much to offer. The world desperately needs your gifts and talents however they will shape your story.”
As part of a cherished Fall Commencement tradition, each graduate had the opportunity to briefly address their loved ones and the campus community after receiving their diploma, sharing sentiments of gratitude and pride with those in attendance.
McKenna Hewitt ’25, a Land and Energy Management graduate, said, “I want to thank my family and friends from back home for supporting me in this journey, and the friends, professors, and my foster family for making Marietta my second home.”
Haylea Hilton ’25, an English graduate, said, “I just want to say thank you to everyone who supported me on this journey. I love you guys.”
Ava Huebner ’25, a Strategic Communications graduate, said, “I want to thank my friends, family, and the people who have helped support me throughout my time at Marietta College.”
Amanda Schlise ’25, a History and Adolescent to Young Adult Education graduate, thanked her friends, family, and the staff of Gilman Dining Hall for their support throughout her time at Marietta.
The ceremony concluded with the turning of the tassel, the Alumni Welcome given by Bret Allphin ’01, associate director of the National Association of Development Organizations, the Alma Mater, and closing remarks from Dougherty, officially welcoming graduates into Marietta College’s alumni community.
Following the ceremony, graduates and guests gathered in the Betty Cleland Room and the third-floor gallery to celebrate together with light refreshments.
Marietta College recognized the following candidates for graduation. Fall graduates not listed below were recognized at a previous ceremony or will participate in the May 2026 Commencement.
Bachelor of Arts:
Taylor Bradley Bowers
Holden D. Dailey
Kade M. Demchak
Preston Forshey
McKenna C. Hewitt
Haylea Elizabeth Hilton
Ava M. Huebner
Katherine Mae Justice
Emma Nicole Kirby
Ashley Morgan Laing
Morgan Francine McCartney
Noah Christopher Perkins
Jade Asher Miller Poling
Jordan H. Radabaugh
Tyson C. Riggs
Amanda Grace Schlise
Hinata Sotsuda
Megan Elizabeth Stone
Gabriel Charles Tingle
Mary E. Turner
Bachelor of Science:
Kaitlyn A. Stewart
Fall Commencement marked a milestone as a new generation of Pioneers completed their academic journey and prepared to move forward, equipped with the knowledge, experiences, and connections shaped during their time at Marietta College. For more information about Fall Commencement, visit marietta.edu/december-graduation.