McNeese to Celebrate 165th Commencement

McNeese State University will hold two ceremonies Friday, Dec. 19, to confer degrees on the graduates at the university’s 165th commencement in McNeese’s Townsley Law Arena. The ceremony for the colleges of business and nursing and health professions will be held at 9 a.m. and the Burton College of Education and colleges of engineering and sciences and liberal arts will be held at 1:30 p.m.

Commencement speaker for both ceremonies is McNeese Vice President for Business Affairs April Broussard. Broussard received her associate degree in computer information technology, a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration from McNeese.

As vice president for the McNeese Division of Business Affairs, she provides strategic financial leadership and operational support that advance the University’s mission and strategic priorities. The division encompasses administrative accounting, budgeting, human resources, property control, purchasing, and the Team Store. Her focus is on ensuring fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, and effective resource management while fostering a culture of collaboration and service excellence.

The Outstanding Graduate Award – sponsored by the Student Government Association and the McNeese Alumni Association – will be presented during commencement to two McNeese students to recognize them for their academic achievements. One undergraduate student and one graduate student from each of McNeese’s five colleges were nominated for the award.

Guests will not be allowed access to the floor at any time before, during or after the ceremonies.

Graduates will not be allowed access to the guest seating areas at any time before, during or after the ceremonies.

The summer and fall classes of 2025 include 541 graduates from 34 parishes, 12 states and 12 countries and 544 degrees will be awarded, including 23 associate degrees, 439 bachelor’s degrees, 80 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees.

Doors will open one and one-half hours before each ceremony. For the safety and security of everyone in attendance, only clear bags not to exceed 12”x 6”x 12” will be allowed inside the arena and all bags are subject to search. Diaper bags are an exception.

The McNeese commencement ceremonies will be live streamed on McNeese’s YouTube channel for family members and friends unable to attend commencement. For notifications when the events go live, subscribe to our channel here: www.youtube.com/mcneesestateu.

The ceremony will also be broadcast on the Calcasieu Parish Government Channel at a date to be announced.