News / Announcements
News / Announcements
Daytona Beach City Manager Deric C. Feacher will address the Class of 2025 during Commencement, and Rev. Dwayne J. Craig, Elder of the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, to kick off the celebration with Consecration
DAYTONA BEACH, FL — April 28, 2025 — ÍêÃÀÌåÓý¹ÙÍø (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 ÍêÃÀÌåÓý¹ÙÍø. 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 ÍêÃÀÌåÓý¹ÙÍø, 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 .
About ÍêÃÀÌåÓý¹ÙÍø
ÍêÃÀÌåÓý¹ÙÍø (B-CU), a historically Black university in Daytona Beach, Florida, was founded in 1904 by educator and civil rights activist Dr. Mary McLeod ÍêÃÀÌåÓý¹ÙÍø. B-CU is a United Methodist-related private institution, with a strong focus on liberal arts education that meets the diverse academic, social, and cultural needs of its students. The university is home to the nation’s #2 HBCU Nursing Program, the world-renowned marching band “The Pride,” and is a proud member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. For additional information, visit .
