On Thursday, May 22, the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) proudly celebrated its 2025 Commencement Ceremony, honoring a new generation of global leaders and changemakers. Held at the Incheon Global Campus Auditorium, the event brought together graduating students, families, faculty, and university leadership in a joyful send-off filled with reflection, inspiration, and cross-cultural pride.
“Commencement is not just a conclusion—it’s a launchpad,” said Gregory Hill, Chief Administrative Officer of the Asia Campus. “Our graduates have already demonstrated the courage to learn in a global setting. Now they carry that experience into the world as leaders, creators, and compassionate citizens.”
With students from various backgrounds and many preparing to continue their studies at the Salt Lake City campus, the ceremony underscored the University’s commitment to providing a seamless global education. Speakers reflected on this unique dual-campus experience that bridges continents while deepening academic and cultural understanding.
The program featured congratulatory remarks, student speakers, a keynote address, the Student Council swearing-in, recognition awards for staff, faculty, clubs, and student leadership, the official conferral of degrees, and the traditional Block U group photo.
Student speaker Anastasia Kornyukhina, a Film & Media Arts major, delivered a candid and heartfelt address about growth, uncertainty, and embracing one’s voice.
“When I first arrived at the Utah Asia Campus, I was incredibly shy, introverted, and far from confident. But thanks to a life-changing public speaking course—and the professors who believed in me—I discovered a voice I never knew I had. Four years ago, I couldn’t have imagined standing here. Now, I can—and I do.”
She also reflected on the joy of learning, the impact of supportive mentors, and the power of not having it all figured out.
“We don’t need to have all the answers right now. What matters is that we go forward ready to build, create, and write our own stories—shaped by what we’ve learned here, challenged by what we’ve overcome, and inspired by what we dreamed about.”
Hyebin Yu, a Psychology major and fellow student speaker, shared her personal journey of resilience and redefined what it means to give in a community:
“I used to think giving had to be something big—like offering advice or making sacrifices. But the Utah Asia Campus showed me that presence can be a form of giving, too. A joke in class, walking a friend home, just showing up when it’s hard—those quiet choices can mean more than we realize. We’re all someone’s giving.”
Their stories captured the spirit of the ceremony: one of transformation, gratitude, and hope for the road ahead.
As the Class of 2025 joins the ranks of Utah alumni around the globe, the Utah Asia Campus community looks forward to watching their continued impact. Whether entering the workforce, pursuing graduate studies, or transferring to the Salt Lake City campus, these graduates carry with them the spirit of the U.
“You leave the Utah Asia Campus not only with a degree, but with the power to challenge and change the world,” said Mitzi M. Montoya, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs during her keynote address. “You have prepared yourself for new possibilities and entered new frontiers of learning. We can’t wait to see what you do next.”