University of Memphis spring 2025 commencement: Graduates, families celebrate milestone

Yahoo! News - May 10th, 2025
Open on Yahoo! News

The University of Memphis recently celebrated its 113th spring commencement, marking a significant milestone with the graduation of over 2,700 students, including the largest doctoral cohort in its history. The ceremony, held at the FedExForum, featured Ben C. Bryant Jr., a successful business executive and alumnus, as the commencement speaker. Among the graduates, Tabatha Riquelme and Evan Erickson stood out for overcoming significant obstacles on their journey. Riquelme, an immigrant from Mexico, earned a degree in commercial aviation while balancing cultural, financial, and language barriers. Erickson, diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, completed his Bachelor of Music in Composition through UofM Global, despite his health challenges.

These graduates' stories highlight the university's role in fostering resilience and achievement among its students. Riquelme's accomplishments in aviation and her leadership roles at the university reflect her determination to make a difference in the field and inspire others. Erickson's national recognition for his musical compositions and his initiative to support marginalized composers underscore his commitment to using his talents for broader impact. The commencement not only celebrates academic achievement but also showcases the diverse challenges and triumphs of the student body, emphasizing the broader significance of education in personal and professional growth.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

8.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of the University of Memphis's spring 2025 commencement ceremony, effectively balancing factual reporting with engaging personal narratives. It excels in clarity and timeliness, offering a well-structured and accessible account of the event. While the focus on two graduates may limit the scope of perspectives, it successfully highlights the significance of perseverance and achievement. The article's strength lies in its ability to inform and inspire, though its impact is primarily localized to the university community. Overall, it serves as a reliable and engaging piece that celebrates educational milestones and individual success stories.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The article accurately reports on the University of Memphis's 113th spring commencement ceremony, including the date, location, and number of graduates. It specifies that over 1,700 undergraduates, 88 juris doctors, 722 masters students and specialists, and the largest doctoral graduating class participated, aligning with official data from the university. Additionally, the details about Ben C. Bryant Jr.'s educational background and role as the commencement speaker are consistent with available records. The personal stories of graduates Tabatha Riquelme and Evan Erickson are presented with specific achievements and challenges, such as Riquelme's work at the International Center and Erickson's charity work, which are verifiable through university sources.

8
Balance

The article provides a balanced view of the commencement ceremony by highlighting both the event's general success and the personal stories of two graduates. It avoids favoritism by giving equal attention to the achievements and challenges faced by Riquelme and Erickson. However, the focus on only two graduates might suggest a slight bias towards these individuals' narratives, potentially omitting other diverse student experiences. Nonetheless, the article maintains a fair representation of the event's significance and the individual accomplishments of the highlighted graduates.

9
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to convey the story of the commencement ceremony. It logically flows from the general event details to the personal stories of the featured graduates, maintaining a neutral and informative tone throughout. The use of direct quotes enhances the narrative and provides insight into the graduates' experiences, contributing to the article's overall clarity and readability.

8
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including university records and statements from the graduates themselves. The attribution to Brooke Muckerman, a reporter for The Commercial Appeal, adds to the story's reliability. However, the article could benefit from additional external sources or quotes from university officials to further enhance its credibility. The reliance on direct quotes from the graduates provides an authentic voice but could be complemented by third-party validation.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in its presentation of facts, clearly attributing quotes to the individuals involved and outlining their journeys. However, it lacks explicit disclosure of the methodology used to select the highlighted graduates. The absence of potential conflicts of interest and the clear basis for claims contribute positively to transparency, but a more explicit acknowledgment of the selection process for the featured stories would improve this dimension.

Sources

  1. https://www.memphis.edu/commencement/
  2. https://www.memphis.edu/commencement/graduates/
  3. https://www.memphis.edu/commencement/pdfs/program.pdf.pdf
  4. https://www.memphis.edu/registrar/calendars/academic/ay2425.php
  5. https://www.memphis.edu/commencement/news/spring-commencement.php