CSU to celebrate nearly 5,000 graduates at Spring 2025 commencement, May 15-18

Media Contact:
Tiana Kennedy, AVP Communications, CSU and CSU System
[email protected]
Cell: 970-420-3316

Note to reporters: Media assets and information are available online and will be updated following commencement events.  

Fort Collins, Colo. – Colorado State University will celebrate the achievements of nearly 5,000 graduates during its Spring 2025 Commencement events, taking place May 15-18. The university will welcome more than 35,000 family members, friends, and supporters to Fort Collins throughout the weekend for the commencement events. 

University-wide Commencement will take place at Canvas Stadium at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16, with more than 30,000 attendees. Tickets and special parking passes for campus are required; heavy traffic is expected. The event will be available to watch via livestream. 

This year’s commencement marks the launch of a new format: a single, University-wide celebration each spring, replacing the former twice-a-year, by-college ceremonies. The transition is expected to make this commencement season larger and more vibrant than in previous years. It will be the first time commencement is held at Canvas Stadium and the first University-wide Commencement at CSU in 27 years.  

Eugene Daniels, a CSU alumnus and a nationally recognized journalist and commentator, will serve as the keynote speaker, addressing graduates and their guests at the main ceremony.  

“Commencement is a moment of pride not just for our students and their supporters, but for our entire university and the broader community,” said CSU President Amy Parsons. “We are thrilled to honor the Class of 2025 and to welcome Eugene Daniels back to campus for this milestone event and our inaugural University-wide Commencement. We invite the entire community to join us in wearing green and gold and congratulating students and their families when you see them around town.”  

Community impact and traffic advisory
Given the expected attendance, residents and local businesses should anticipate heavy traffic around the CSU main campus and busy restaurants throughout commencement weekend. Community members are especially advised to avoid the campus area on Friday, May 16, when events will be at their peak. Special commencement lot-specific parking passes will be required all day on May 16. Residence hall move out will also take place throughout the week of May 12.  

For more information on what community members and local businesses should expect, please visit:
Community information
Local business information 

Full information is available on the commencement website, and additional information for guests, students who are participating in commencement, and students who are not participating in commencement is available at https://source.colostate.edu/csu-commencement-what-you-need-to-know/.