Commencement 2025 Keynote Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients

Dear University Community,

Commencement is one of the most significant moments in the life of our University—a time to honor our graduates and the dedication of those who have supported them along the way. As we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2025, I invite you to join us for Commencement on Friday, April 25, 2025.

This year, we are excited to welcome two distinguished speakers, Angel Blue '05 and Steven Jones '00, who will share their insights and experiences and receive Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degrees in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their fields. I hope many of you will attend to celebrate our graduates and hear from these remarkable individuals as they inspire the next generation of leaders.

Angel Blue '05 will deliver the keynote address and receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree at the University's Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25. Angel Blue has graced stages worldwide, becoming renowned for her powerful interpretations of roles in La bohème, Aida, La Traviata, and Porgy and Bess. Her international career has taken her to the world's leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House in London, Teatro alla Scala in Italy, Sydney Opera House in Australia, the National Symphony Orchestra of India, and Teatro Mayor in Bogotá, Colombia. Ms. Blue has sung in over 45 countries and is a two-time Grammy Award-winning soprano. She is the first African American to receive the Beverly Sills Award from the Metropolitan Opera in 2020 and is the recipient of the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wharton Arts Center in New Jersey. Angel remains dedicated to empowering and uplifting the younger generation of opera singers.

Due to her performance schedule in New York, Angel will be delivering her remarks via videoconference. While we would have loved to welcome her back to campus in person, we are grateful that she is able to join us virtually to share her experiences and inspire our graduates.

Steven Jones '00 will deliver the keynote address and receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree at the University's Graduate Commencement Ceremony at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25. As Global Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Allied Universal, he leads the world's preeminent security and facility services provider. With operations in 100 countries, Allied Universal is the trusted partner to more than 400 of the FORTUNE 500, the third-largest private employer in North America and seventh in the world. Under his leadership, Allied Universal has grown from $12 million in revenue to over $21 billion. A recognized industry leader, Jones has earned numerous accolades, including Inc. Magazine's Top Job Creator Award, the Vistage International Leadership Award, and Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He is also a frequent contributor to several major news outlets, including CNN, Forbes, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal. Jones is the author of No Off Season: The Constant Pursuit of More, a motivating playbook for achieving more in business, leadership, and life.

For more information on all Commencement Week events, click here. You will need your Redlands credentials to access the site, hosted on MyRedlands, to ensure a secure and protected space for our students, faculty, and staff.

I look forward to celebrating this milestone with you as we come together to honor the Class of 2025 and all they have accomplished.

Sincerely,

Krista L. Newkirk
President