Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrated fall graduates at commencement ceremonies on Dec. 4 and 5, 2025, at the EKU Center for the Arts.
“It is my hope for each of you that you leave today prepared to create a life not just of success, but of significance—a life that reflects your values, uplifts others and makes the most of opportunities ahead,” said EKU President David McFaddin.
Sharing their journeys at EKU, Fall 2025 graduates Emma Ashlock, Chris Butcher, Justin Mink, Toluwanimi Olatoye and Esther Sadiki spoke at their commencement ceremonies.
Emma Ashlock, from Somerset, transferred to EKU after feeling disconnected from classes and campus life at another college.
“What may seem like a setback can ultimately lead you to something even greater, even if it was not a part of your original plan,” Ashlock said. Realizing she was more than just a number at EKU, the Campus Beautiful became her home away from home, where she got involved in campus events and the Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
“Going from a place where professors did not even know my name to professors who know your name, major, long-term goals and even check in when something happens, the setback of feeling unseen elsewhere led me to a place where I was truly supported and valued,” said Ashlock, who graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.
The Campus Beautiful also offered Chris Butcher a home, where he started as a first-generation college student, met his wife and began a fulfilling career. Now a three-time EKU graduate, Butcher finished his college career with a doctorate degree in educational leadership and policy studies.
Justin Mink, also a first-generation college graduate, once wondered if a degree would be possible for him. Initially, he struggled to find his path, but after changing his major four times, he found the perfect fit in his major and a student organization. He leaned on his village of peers, professors and his grandparents, and persevered through his toughest weeks.
“EKU is known as the School of Opportunity. I am living proof of what that means,” said Mink, from Livingston. “It’s more than a slogan. EKU was there to help me create my résumé, gave me a suit for my first job interview and gave me an opportunity to be my best self. That is what makes today so powerful. Behind every cap and gown, there is a story of perseverance and community.”
With help from his “village,” Mink graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations.
EKU’s supportive professors and veteran-friendly environment helped Toluwanimi Olatoye earn his Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. Serving in the Kentucky Army National Guard made it challenging to balance classes in his first semester. This is when he learned to soar—rising above challenges, embracing the unknown and letting his preparation carry him forward.
In his junior year, Olatoye and Dr. Michael Ballard developed a global health and healthcare innovation project that allowed him to represent EKU at Harvard University for the National Undergraduate Research Conference. There, Olatoye shared their vision at a national level, reminding him that “soaring is not just an idea, it’s a mindset EKU instills in every student.”
First-generation college graduate, Ester Sadiki, said her story begins with her parents, “two courageous people who came to this country in their late 50s with a language barrier and nothing but faith and hope.” Sadiki watched her parents work long hours and come home tired, but never defeated. This became an inspiration to her in her college journey. She had to figure out financial aid, classes and education pathways while trying to make ends meet. With semesters where she worked three jobs while taking more than 20 credit hours, all while serving in the United States Army Reserve, she learned resilience.
After facing a challenging class, Sadiki, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, learned that “building doesn’t just happen on construction sites; it happens within us.”
EKU formally conferred more than 1,100 undergraduate and graduate degrees during five ceremonies. Nearly half of EKU’s class of 2025 are the first in their families to attain a higher education degree.
By Christina Rannells
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