December Commencement 2025

The annual Involvement Carnival is a time for campus clubs, organizations and groups to shine, encouraging new students to get involved while at the university. PHOTO: JEFF JANOWSKI/UNCW Near the end of each semester, students eagerly present their final research projects to the campus community, transforming their data into captivating displays for faculty, staff and student peers. PHOTO: JEFF JANOWSKI/UNCW Celebrating the start of a new year and semester, students take part in the annual Seahawk Plunge in the outdoor leisure pool at the Pat Leonard Student Recreation Center. PHOTO: JEFF JANOWSKI/UNCW First-year and transfer students embark on their Seahawk journey, greeted by enthusiastic volunteers during UNCW's annual Move-In event, which kicks off Welcome Week for the fall semester. PHOTO: JEFF JANOWSKI/UNCW Wings Up for Wilmington! Each fall, UNCW’s faculty, staff and students venture out into the community, lending a hand and making a positive impact. PHOTO: JEFF JANOWSKI/UNCW Campus Dining celebrates the 16th anniversary of the Wagsgiving Thanksgiving Feast, offering hearty meals and activities for students. PHOTO: MICHAEL SPENCER/UNCW The Class of 2025 experienced the creation of Seahawk Village, becoming the first to dine at The Shore Dining Hall and take advantage of the Shoreline Sports Complex B. PHOTO: JEFF JANOWSKI/UNCW International experience is an integral part of Seahawk life, with opportunities to travel abroad in over 50 countries and bring those experiences closer to home during UNCW’s annual Intercultural Festival at the Burney Center. PHOTO: JEFF JANOWSKI/UNCW UNCW's Activities and Campus Events (ACE) hosts Dub After Dark as part of UNCWelcome events for students returning to campus for the fall semester. PHOTO: LAURYL MEILE/UNCW All things TEAL! Free swag, t-shirt swaps, foam fingers — there's nothing like being a Seahawk without a touch of teal. PHOTO: JEFF JANOWSKI/UNCW Campus departments and offices, such as the UNCW Office of Military Affairs, host monthly events to foster community and connection. PHOTO: JEFF JANOWSKI/UNCW The Class of 2025 witnessed the final days of Galloway Hall. Constructed in 1972 as the first air-conditioned residence hall, it became a cherished home where countless memories and friendships were forged over five decades. It was demolished in 2024. PHOTO: MICHAEL SPENCER/UNCW On Chancellor’s Walk, the main thoroughfare for students traversing campus, groups can showcase their creative flair, such as the chemistry department's bi-annual sidewalk chemistry event. PHOTO: JEFF JANOWSKI/UNCW UNCW students enjoy a day off and a beautiful snowy campus following a winter storm that hit coastal North Carolina. PHOTO: MAGGIE BECK/UNCW The Soaring Seahawk found a new home as the Class of 2025 embarked on their senior year. PHOTO: BRADLEY PEARCE/UNCW First-year students gather at the Student Village recreation facilities and fields for an orientation welcome event. PHOTO: LOGAN WELLS/UNCW