By Maddi Sims
For Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Class of 2025, this year’s commencement ceremony is more than the culmination of a college education—it is a long-awaited celebration of resilience. Today at 4 p.m., about 800 students are expected to graduate at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, many of whom never got the chance to walk the stage at their high school graduation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is very important to me,” said Bayley McDonald, a senior graduating with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in communication studies. “It was really disappointing to miss out on my prom, musical, and graduation ceremony. I invited as many family and friends as possible.”
For students like McDonald, this commencement represents a sense of redemption—an opportunity to make meaningful memories before taking their next steps into the workforce or graduate school.
PFW currently serves a student body of 6,811, offering over 200 academic majors and a tight-knit community that many students say helped shape their futures. About 1,400 students are on track to receive a degree this academic year.
Sadie Fenstermacher, a senior majoring in communication and pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in film, says the university’s support has been invaluable.
“I think PFW has prepared me pretty well,” Fenstermacher said. “Not just academically, but through clubs and extracurriculars related to my major.” She plans to take a year off before beginning graduate school.
The support students receive goes beyond the classroom. Zoe Busse, a biology major with a minor in criminal justice who is expected to graduate in 2029, credits her academic advisor with helping her navigate coursework and internships.
“My advisor has been a great help when it comes to what courses to take and internships that would be great for me to partake in,” Busse said.
Internships are a graduation requirement for many programs at PFW, providing students with hands-on experience in their field—and often leading to job opportunities. McDonald is currently interning at Allen County Adult Probation and hopes to transition into a full-time role.
“I plan to stay here over the summer and hopefully become a PSI Writer,” she said.
Fenstermacher, meanwhile, will be interning at the Cinema Center, a local nonprofit cinema whose executive director is PFW professor Art Herbig. The venue has become a hub for film and production students.
PFW’s Career Development Center also plays a pivotal role in preparing students for life after graduation.
Jackie Stancil, the center’s executive director, encourages students to start career planning early, including resume building and interview practice using tools like “Big Interview,” a platform designed to simulate job interviews and give students feedback on their performance.
“Students who engage in the career office early and often are not only more likely to get the job they want—they make more money than those who didn’t use the Career Center,” Stancil said.
While the future may be uncertain for some graduates, the university’s resources, mentorship, and community have laid a strong foundation for what comes next. As McDonald and her classmates prepare to walk the stage, they do so with pride, hope, and a sense of fulfillment that was years in the making.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025—your journey is just beginning.
