Dr. Anil Palla, Founder and CEO of UniversityHub, joined Anderson University’s 2025 commencement featuring Civil Rights legend Ambassador Andrew Young, celebrating leadership, service, and faith.
Day of Inspiration and Legacy at Anderson University
Anderson University’s Spring 2025 Commencement was a celebration of resilience, leadership, and lifelong faith. Graduates, faculty, and families gathered on the historic Alumni Lawn as Ambassador Andrew Young, one of the most respected figures of the Civil Rights Movement, delivered a stirring keynote address that earned a standing ovation.
Among those reflecting on the momentous event was Dr. Anil Palla, Founder and CEO of UniversityHub, whose leadership journey and vision for global education deeply resonated with the graduating class.
A Lifetime of Service: The Legacy of Ambassador Andrew Young
Ambassador Young shared powerful lessons from his remarkable life — from growing up in the segregated South during the Great Depression to serving as a minister, congressman, United Nations Ambassador, and mayor of Atlanta.
“I figured that’s what the Lord laid out for me,” Young said. “Almost everything I’ve done for the past 75 years has been about doing things nobody else wanted to do. When people were being beaten or jailed, I still believed it was the right thing to stand up and serve.”
Now at 93, Ambassador Young continues to inspire new generations through his unwavering commitment to justice, faith, and community. He reminded graduates that commencement is not an ending but a beginning:
“There’s a whole world out there looking for people with your potential and your dedication. Let your faith guide your purpose and your service.”
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership and Human Rights
Ambassador Young was introduced by Dr. Matthew Daniels, distinguished professor of law, political science, and human rights. Together, they lead the Ambassador Andrew Young Higher Education Fellowship Program, an initiative that unites students from universities across the U.S. to explore human rights, civility, and global citizenship.
Anderson University also honored Mary Anne Bunton, longtime chair of the AU Board of Trust, with an honorary degree for her decades of service to the institution.
A Vision for Global Education: Insights from Dr. Anil Palla
The graduate ceremony featured Dr. Anil Kumar Palla, Vice President of Operations at UniversityHub, a leading education technology platform connecting students and universities worldwide.
Dr. Palla shared his transformative journey — from practicing medicine to pioneering innovation in international higher education. Drawing from Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken, he encouraged graduates to view change and uncertainty as opportunities for growth.
“Embrace change, stay curious, and keep learning,” said Dr. Palla. “Think globally and run your own race. The road may bend, but often, those curves lead you to your true purpose.”
Dr. Anil Palla speaking at Anderson University commencement 2025
Recognizing Excellence and Commitment
The ceremonies also recognized outstanding students and faculty who embody Anderson University’s mission of faith and service:
The President’s Award was presented to Leah Duncan, Rosella Stike, and Ian Thompson for excellence in leadership, citizenship, scholarship, and Christian commitment.
The Michael Boles Excellence in Teaching Award honored Dr. Carrie Koenigstein for her dedication to transformative teaching in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Leah Duncan, 2024–2025 Student Body President, announced the Class Gift — a black marble Anderson University Seal to be installed in front of the Merritt Administration Building.
Moments of Celebration and Faith
The commencement began with a warm welcome from Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts, followed by prayers and benedictions from university leaders, including Dr. Tracy Jessup and Dr. Joe Carol Mitchell-Rogers.
Adding to the ceremony’s elegance, students from the South Carolina School of the Arts performed special musical pieces, including the Centennial Alma Mater, The Sounds of Anderson.
Celebrating the Class of 2025: Faith, Purpose, and Leadership
More than 500 graduates crossed the stage, cheered on by family, faculty, and community leaders. The event was not only a tribute to academic achievement but a celebration of shared values — faith, perseverance, and leadership.
As Ambassador Andrew Young’s timeless words and Dr. Anil Palla’s inspiring message echoed across the Alumni Lawn, Anderson University reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing graduates who will lead with compassion and vision.
