Graduation 2021

#NCState21 in the Spotlight

Video Series

Friends Forever

These grads found more than an education at NC State — they found lifelong relationships.

Watch their stories

The NC State Belltower looking up from the bottom, with tree branches and late-day sun in the foreground

Hallowed Places

Bells Are Ringing

Watch the dedication ceremony of Henry Square and the Memorial Belltower's new bells, and explore the campus landmark with a new virtual tour.

Learn more

Veterinary Medicine

An Unexpected Friend

Caitlyn Mullins came to NC State to learn more about cattle. She's leaving with a cloven-hooved stamp on her heart.

Inside Caitlyn and Mimo's bond

Russell Wilson, center, at a ceremony honoring his jersey at the 2014 Kay Yow Spring Game. Wilson is flanked by Mr. and Ms. Wuf, football head coach Dave Doeren and former athletics director Debbie Yow.

Commencement 2021

Wilson Returns a Winner

At NC State, this year's commencement speaker honed the athletic skills and commitment to service that would define his extraordinary life.

Behind his drive

Two male students wearing graduation regalia and donated red face masks

Research and Innovation

Face Masks for Graduation

This spring, graduates' commencement regalia will include donated face masks that grew from NC State innovation.

Behind the masks

Sciences

A Healthy Pursuit

Biological sciences major Dhuru Patel embraced a range of academic, extracurricular and service opportunities that cemented his decision to pursue a medical career.

Red robes to white coat

6,300+ Graduates

On May 14 and 15, NC State celebrated a diverse and high-achieving group of graduates.

Get the facts about the class

Humanities and Social Sciences

The Power of Community

Talya Ozbelli will share her story of finding community at NC State with graduates at the May 15 ceremony.

Meet her

Twin sisters Iman, left, and Salam pose together at a Wolf Ears sculpture on campus and make wolf hands gestures.

Family

Twin Sisters Nurture Friendship, Individuality

The Ibrahim twins forged their own paths at NC State, discovering new passions while strengthening their bond.

Meet the duo

I want to feed my people.

Crop and soil sciences graduate and distance runner Edwin Rutto, a native of Kenya, will use his expertise to help his nation improve crop production.

Why this drives him

Natural Resources

Practice Makes Perfect

Hands-on education was key to preparing environmental technology and management graduate Joshua Pil to succeed beyond NC State.

See his advice for undergrads

Alumni

Mathews Medalists Make Their Mark

Leadership, service, academics, athletics, philanthropy — these four outstanding graduates did it all and made NC State a better place.

Meet this year's recipients

Engineering

Computer Science Grad Breaks Barriers

Inspired by his guide dog, Simba, blind Ph.D. graduate Sean Mealin focused his research on how computers can help humans and dogs communicate.

Meet Sean and Simba

Poole College of Management

Supporting Minority Students in Business

When Kiara Richardson realized there wasn’t an organization to provide resources and support to Black MBA students, she started one.

How she built community

Education

Education Grads Make the Grade

Meet a few of the 372 new College of Education graduates who will be making a difference in education.

$21,000 Committed

Park Scholars in the class of 2021 are raising money over the next five years to benefit the NC State Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship.

Find out why

Agriculture and Life Sciences

A Leading Advocate

During the pandemic, Student Senate President Coleman Simpson won a grant to fund a counseling program for his fellow CALS students.

Why mental health matters to him

Distance Learning

Animal Science on Active Duty

Olivia Jones earned a Master of Animal Science degree while serving as an active duty Air Force officer.

#HowlBack to Win Prizes

Show us how you’re celebrating commencement as you join the alumni Pack by using #HowlBack on your graduation photos on Twitter and Instagram.

Get the details

Engineering and Sciences

Stepping Toward a Bright Future

Ana Sofia Uzsoy’s passion for learning is taking her to Cambridge University on one of the U.S.'s most prestigious scholarships.

Meet her

I teach because it’s necessary. I teach because it shows love.

As an educator, James Daniels will teach his middle school students how to embrace their identities.

Why he chose education

International Services

Global Graduates

More than 500 international students are graduating this May, representing every college.

Meet some of them

Sirena Rowe hugs fellow swimmers after a meet

Athletics

A Strong Finish

Swimmer Sirena Rowe is ready to take on food deserts — and the Tokyo Olympics.

Natural Resources

Protecting Aquatic Species

Goodnight Scholar Cheyana Bassham credits hands-on learning for opening her eyes to the world of freshwater ecology.

Stay Connected to NC State

New graduates are eligible for a complimentary one-year Alumni Association membership.

Get the details

Erin Wilkins and her dog on the Court of North Carolina

Veterinary Medicine

Four Years, Four Dogs, One Unforgettable Journey

Erin Wilkins raised four dogs for the Guide Dog Foundation while pursuing her degree.

Meet 'the girl with Bubs'

College of Design

Art + Design Senior Showcase

Experience dynamic senior capstone projects that explore the space between "what was" and "what will be."

Watch the video

Online Education

Learning to Lead

NC State employee Chris Allen has learned to be a better leader through the online Master of Education in Training and Development program.

Find out how

Academic and Student Affairs

New Adventures Await

These few outstanding student leaders are ready to forge their own paths outside NC State.

Find out what's next

Human Resources

Employees and Graduates

Three university staff members share what motivated them to stay the course.

I dedicate this master's degree to my dad.

Urmica Yelavarthy, a native of Bangalore, India, is graduating with a master’s degree in architecture and an eye on her dream career.

Meet Urmica on Instagram

Giovanny Hernandez and his mentor work on a project

Philanthropy

Empowering Future Teachers

Thanks to a special scholarship from the College of Education, North Carolina students will soon have the opportunity to learn from Giovanny Hernandez.

Meet him