U of I celebrates more than 600 graduates at Winter Commencement

MOSCOW, Idaho — More than 600 students are eligible to receive 686 degrees at University of Idaho’s 2025 Winter Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the ICCU Arena in Moscow. Ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The 602 eligible graduates applied for three associate degrees, 406 bachelor’s degrees, 166 master’s degrees, 28 doctoral degrees, one specialist degree and eight juris doctorates. Another 74 will receive academic certificates.

“Each graduate reached this milestone through determination, hard work and intellectual curiosity,” U of I President Scott Green said. “Commencement is our chance to celebrate how far they’ve come and the impact they’re ready to make in communities across Idaho and beyond.”

U of I has graduated about 134,826 students with 144,095 degrees since its foundation.

John C. Wagner, a national leader in nuclear energy and research innovation, will give the commencement address. As director of Idaho National Laboratory and president of Battelle Energy Alliance, he oversees more than 6,300 employees and a $2 billion research portfolio focused on advanced reactor and fuel cycle technologies. Wagner is a fellow of the American Nuclear Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Dirk Kempthorne ’75 will be awarded the President’s Medallion for his decades of public service, including leadership as Boise mayor, U.S. senator, Idaho governor and U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

Two individuals will receive honorary doctorates at the morning ceremony:

• Nick Purdy ’62, a leader in Idaho agriculture, is recognized for modernizing irrigation systems, advancing land stewardship and supporting U of I students through the Nick and Sharon Purdy Agricultural Engineering Endowment.
• Richard Dahl ’73, a nationally respected business leader, is honored for his executive leadership at major companies, his service on corporate and nonprofit boards and his longtime support of U of I’s College of Business and Economics.

The ceremonies will be livestreamed at uidaho.edu/live. More information is available at uidaho.edu/commencement.

Clear bags are required, and attendees must pass through metal detectors, per the university’s security protocols for large events. No bags will be permitted for graduating students.

No weapons, including knives or firearms, may enter the venue, per university policy. The rule applies to concealed carry permit holders.

U of I is a tobacco-free campus. Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed in approved locations on university property.

Media contact

Danae Lenz
External communications coordinator
208-885-1605
dlenz@uidaho.edu