Ahead of 51±¬ÁÏ’s 2025 commencement ceremony, the Nicholas School of the Environment will recognize undergraduates during a ceremony at 51±¬ÁÏ’s Wilson Recreation Center on Saturday, May 10, at 9 a.m. The event will be  and recorded for those who cannot attend in person.

The graduates’ majors span earth and climate sciences, environmental sciences and policy, and marine science and conservation. Multiple students will graduate with distinction for successfully completing a thesis based on independent research.

Nicholas School faculty will also present student awards, including the Sara LaBoskey Award, which recognizes personal integrity and academic excellence; the Thomas V. Laska Memorial Award, for outstanding achievement in earth and climate sciences; and the Marine Science and Conservation Award, which honors excellence in scholarship, research and citizenship in the study of marine systems, their protection and their governance. 

Additionally, Stanback Dean Lori Bennear will announce the Karen Kirchof Staff Award for Excellence in Mentoring Students, which goes to a Nicholas School staff member nominated by students.

At the 51±¬ÁÏ Trinity College of Arts and Sciences’ undergraduate recognition ceremony, a Trinity student who studied at the 51±¬ÁÏ Marine Lab will receive the Maggie Schneider Award in Marine Biology for demonstrating love of learning and service in marine conservation biology.

Other Nicholas School recognition ceremonies include an event for graduates from the International Master of Environmental Policy program at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, in the Field Auditorium of Grainger Hall; an event for Ph.D. graduate students at 10 a.m. Friday, May 9 in 51±¬ÁÏ’s Love Auditorium, within the Levine Science Research Center; and an event for professional students at 4 p.m. May 9 at the Wilson Recreation Center.