'We’re Changing Family Trees': ASU Celebrates Largest Spring Graduation in School History

SAN ANGELO, TX — Angelo State University is celebrating its largest spring graduating class to date, with more than 1,090 students scheduled to walk the stage across five commencement ceremonies held May 16–17 at the Junell Center/Stephens Arena.

“This will be the largest spring graduation we’ve ever had,” said Dr. Donald Topliff, ASU’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We exist to educate students and award diplomas—and in the process, I tell them that we’re changing their family tree.”

According to university data, 1,094 graduates are slated to receive degrees this spring, including 26 doctoral degrees, 378 master’s degrees and 700 bachelor’s degrees. Ceremonies are divided by college and academic program, with events spanning Friday evening and throughout the day on Saturday.

Topliff, who is marking his 10th year at ASU, reflected on the university’s transformation over the past decade.

“To see the evolution of what we’ve had here and how we’ve grown is just—it’s really amazing,” he said.

That growth includes major expansions in academic programs such as commercial aviation and cybersecurity. The university’s aviation program has surged to nearly 200 students, with a new air traffic control track launching this fall. Meanwhile, ASU’s cybersecurity program has “just exploded,” Topliff said.

As the state faces shifting demographics and increased competition for college-aged students, ASU is focusing on distinct, workforce-driven programs and faculty who “have the best interest of our students at heart,” he said.

“We’re really trying to meet the workforce needs of the state and the nation,” Topliff added. “And I think we’re doing that very well.”

In addition to the formal commencement ceremonies, ASU’s week of graduation events included a Nursing Pinning Ceremony and a Spring Commissioning Ceremony for the university’s ROTC cadets, who will enter the U.S. Air Force or Space Force as second lieutenants.

The ceremonies are free, open to the public, and continue through this afternoon. Each event is also livestreamed on the ASU website at angelo.edu/commencement.