Graduation season is upon the Memphis area.
The largest university in Memphis, the University of Memphis, held its 113th spring commencement ceremony on May 10.
Over 1,700 undergraduates, 88 juris doctors, 722 masters students and specialists, and the largest ever doctoral graduating class have officially graduated, and many of them walked across the stage at the FedExForum.
Ben C. Bryant Jr., a successful business executive and U of M graduate, was the commencement speaker for the graduates. Bryant graduated from the university, then Memphis State University, in 1968 with a degree in accounting and again in 1995 with a master’s in management information systems.
Graduates walk toward the stage during the commencement ceremony for the University of Memphis students on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
Within the 2,759 overall graduates of the University of Memphis this spring, two students’ journeys to their degrees were not easy. Tabatha Riquelme, who immigrated to Memphis from Veracruz, Mexico, had to overcome language, cultural and financial burdens to graduate with a degree in commercial aviation.
Evan Erickson, who graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Composition, was diagnosed with a chronic illness that forced him to move back to his hometown in Iowa. But that didn’t stop him from completing his studies.
Tabatha Riquelme
Riquelme immigrated to Memphis from Veracruz, Mexico, and had to overcome both a language barrier and cultural and financial burdens to walk across the stage this spring.
“This degree represents not just what I’ve achieved, but the person I’ve become. It’s the product of perseverance, hard work, and the unwavering support of those around me,” Riquelme said. “It’s a stepping stone into a future where I can continue growing, not just as a pilot, but as someone who paves the way for others.”
President Dr. Bill Hardgrave poses for photos with graduates during the commencement ceremony for the University of Memphis students on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
Prior to graduation, Riquelme obtained multiple pilot licenses in addition to becoming a pilot instructor. She is also an adjunct faculty member within the U of M’s College of Professional and Liberal Studies.
While attending the U of M, Riquelme worked at the International Center on campus, helping recent international students during their own time in Memphis and abroad. Riquelme also served as the president of the International Student Association for two years.
She hopes to continue her education, work towards a master’s in engineering management and become an airline pilot.
“(The degree is) the product of years spent pushing my limits; balancing flight hours, academics, work, and leadership, all while adapting to a new country and culture,” Riquelme said in a statement. “Every early morning, late night, and moment of doubt shaped me into someone who doesn’t just chase goals but builds the discipline and resilience to reach them.”
Evan Erickson
Erickson, who has received national recognition for his composition in competitions, is a talented clarinetist and aspiring composer. While attending the University of Memphis, he won The American Prize in Composition—College/University Band/Wind Ensemble Division in addition to finalist placings in other competitions.
During Erickson’s time at U of M, he hosted his own charity for marginalized music composers, which raised $10,000 to help over 500 composers from more than 50 countries.
Graduates receive their honors during the commencement ceremony for the University of Memphis students on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
In August 2024, Erickson was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
It is a chronic condition, causing severe fatigue not improved by rest, problems thinking and sleeping, and dizziness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Erickson moved back to his hometown in Dubuque, Iowa, to finish his degree due to his diagnosis. Participating in UofM Global, which offers fully online degrees, Erickson is still able to graduate from the university.
“Take advantage of the unique privileges you hold to look at life with wonder and use that wonder to make the world better,” Erickson said.
Brooke Muckerman covers politics and education for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at brooke.muckerman@commercialappeal.com.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: University of Memphis spring 2025 commencement: Grads, families celebrate