Bethune-Cookman University Announces 2025 Commencement Season Speakers

Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) joyfully announces two distinguished alumni as featured speakers for the university’s Spring 2025 Commencement season ceremonies.

• Rev. Dwayne J. Craig, a Jacksonville, Florida native and esteemed ordained elder of the Florida Annual Conference for the United Methodist Church, will open the festivities as the Consecration speaker on Wednesday, April 30, at 7 p.m. ET in the historic Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn Chapel, located in White Hall on the B-CU campus. 
• Deric C. Feacher, City Manager of Daytona Beach, will deliver the keynote address during Commencement on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center.

“We look forward to exciting Consecration and Commencement ceremonies, and we know our guest speakers will inspire our graduates as they take bold steps into new careers and higher education,” said Acting President Dr. William Berry. “Our faculty and staff take great pride in our graduating students, as they prepare to share with the world all of the academic and life lessons they’ve learned at Bethune-Cookman University. With extensive industry-related knowledge and hands-on experience in their respective fields, our students are well-prepared to make meaningful impacts in areas such as healthcare, business, education, technology and law.”

The B-CU Class of 2025 represents a diverse and accomplished cohort, with graduates pursuing advanced degrees at top law schools, launching careers in nursing and healthcare, and entering a wide range of professional and academic fields. Their achievements exemplify the enduring legacy of B-CU founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, which includes dedication to service, innovation and resilience to bring success both in college and in the world beyond.

Both the Spring 2025 Consecration and Commencement ceremonies will be streamed live. To view the broadcasts, visit cookman.edu/commencement. For additional information, visit cookman.edu.