Celebrating the Achievements of the Class of 2025: LSU College of Agriculture’s Spring Commencement

On Friday, May 16th, 2025, the LSU College of Agriculture conferred a total of 281 degrees during its Spring Commencement Ceremony. Among the honorees were 243 bachelor’s degree recipients, 24 master’s degree recipients, and 14 doctoral degree recipients.

The Spring 2025 graduating class includes students from 37 Louisiana parishes, 25 states, and 10 countries. This cohort is approximately 74% female, with an average age in the early twenties. Over 84% of these graduates began their collegiate journeys as freshmen at LSU, most of them starting in the 2021-2022 academic year. The youngest undergraduate is 20 years old, while the most seasoned is 52 years old. Our youngest graduate student is 23 years old, and the most veteran graduate student is 54 years old.

The College also recognized graduates for their outstanding academic achievements, as well as their numerous honors and distinctions.

The University Medal is awarded to the undergraduate student (or students) graduating with the GPA of 4.0 or higher, provided that the student (or students) earn all A-level grades and more than 50 percent of the credits required for the degree has been earned at LSU A&M. Five graduates in the College of Agriculture have earned this accomplishment: Francis DiSalvo, Halle Goudeau, Carly Grieg, Allison Huddleston, and Madison Meyer.

Noted on both the diploma and the LSU transcript, College Honors is the culmination of the Honors College curriculum. Students who earn College Honors at graduation will receive special recognition at LSU commencement. To graduate with College Honors a student must meet all requirements as established by the student’s own college including at least 32 hours of Honors classes as follows: A minimum of six hours of Honors coursework, 12 hours at 3000+ level, following Upper Division Departmental Honors programs, Senior thesis or project, and maintaining a 3.5 GPA in cumulative, LSU, and Honors coursework. Six graduates in the College of Agriculture have earned this accomplishment: Elizabeth Wester, Allison Huddleston, Carly Greig, Madeleine Gess, Jennifer Haase, and Ariana Tashakkori.

The Engaged Citizen Program was established by The Center for Community Engagement, Learning, and Leadership with LSU Campus Life. This program seeks to support and recognize the accomplishments of undergraduate students who contributed significantly with their communities to address critical needs. Within the College of Agriculture, Aalyha Beteta from Nutrition and Food Sciences and Ashton Dalton from Animal Sciences were recognized for their achievements.

The LSU Distinguished Communicator program recognizes self-motivated undergraduates who want to enhance their communication skills and excel in their chosen professions. Students who successfully achieve this unique distinction are recognized with a medal at graduation and receive a permanent commendation on their official transcripts, giving them significant leverage in today’s job market. Seven graduates in the College of Agriculture have earned this accomplishment: Aalyha Beteta, Ashton Dalton, Madeleine Gess, Carly Greig, Allison Huddleston, Riley Lawson, and Marcela Ruiz.

LSU Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher Designation recognizes outstanding undergraduates who participate in educational and research activities leading to a public presentation or publication of a faculty mentored scholarly project. Nine graduates from the College of Agriculture have earned this designation: Ashton Dalton, Aidan Douglas, Madeleine Gess, Jennifer Haase, Allison Huddleston, Daniel Ordeneaux, Aleen Rodriguez, Ariana Tashakkori, and Patricia Thibodeaux.

The College of Agriculture also recognizes Les Voyageurs, a select group of student ambassadors that aid in student recruitment and alumni engagement efforts. Two graduates were recognized for one or more years of service as a Les Voyageur: Crockett Comeaux and Ashton Dalton. 

Congratulations to all the graduates of the LSU College of Agriculture!