Acclaimed actress brings message of resilience to Norfolk commencement
Award-nominated actress and director Meagan Good will deliver the keynote address to more than 2,000 graduates at Old Dominion University’s 142nd Commencement ceremonies this May, bringing her story of perseverance and achievement to the Norfolk campus.
The two-day celebration, scheduled for May 9-10, 2025, marks a significant milestone for the Class of 2025 as they transition from academic life to professional careers amid a challenging economic landscape.
A voice of experience
Finding success through determination has been the hallmark of Good’s career trajectory since her childhood acting debut. Now 43, Good has transformed from a promising young talent into an influential figure in entertainment while advocating for authenticity and self-empowerment.
Her current starring role in Amazon’s “Harlem” has earned critical acclaim, including a nomination for a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. This recognition builds upon a career spanning decades that includes appearances in the “Think Like a Man” franchise, “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” and numerous television productions.
Brian O. Hemphill, president of Old Dominion University, emphasized the significance of securing such a prominent speaker. The administration believes Good’s journey from child actor to industry leader provides a compelling blueprint for graduates navigating their own professional paths.
Ceremonial arrangements
The main undergraduate commencement ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, at Kornblau Field in S.B. Ballard Stadium. Graduates from multiple colleges will participate, including the Batten College of Engineering and Technology, Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, and Strome College of Business.
Academic traditions with contemporary relevance will characterize the event as university officials have planned a ceremony balancing time-honored rituals with forward-looking messages. The previous day will feature an Advanced Degree Ceremony for graduate students, with John Ford, a professor of Marketing and International Business at ODU, providing remarks.
University administrators anticipate attendance exceeding 2,000 students across both ceremonies, representing diverse academic disciplines and backgrounds. Family members and friends will gather to witness this culmination of years of academic dedication and personal growth.
Beyond entertainment
While Good‘s professional accomplishments in entertainment have garnered attention, her message transcends her celebrity status. Her ability to navigate a competitive industry while maintaining personal integrity offers graduates a template for professional conduct in any field.
Breaking barriers through persistence has defined Good’s approach throughout her career. Beginning with her breakthrough role in “Eve’s Bayou,” she has consistently sought challenging projects that expand her artistic range while addressing substantive themes.
This persistence mirrors the journey many ODU graduates have undertaken, particularly first-generation college students and those who have balanced academic responsibilities with work and family obligations. The university’s selection of Good acknowledges these parallel paths of determination.
A timely message
The Class of 2025 enters a professional landscape transformed by technological advancement, economic fluctuation, and evolving workplace expectations. Good’s message of adaptability and self-belief arrives at a crucial moment for these graduates.
Resilience as career currency has become increasingly valuable as industries undergo rapid transformation. Good’s experience navigating Hollywood’s changing dynamics offers insights applicable across sectors where adaptation determines success.
The university’s commitment to preparing students for this environment extends beyond academic instruction to include inspirational figures who exemplify successful navigation of complex professional ecosystems. Good’s longevity in an often-fickle industry demonstrates the value of strategic career management and continuous professional development.
Community impact
ODU’s position as an educational anchor in the Hampton Roads region amplifies the significance of its commencement traditions. The university has historically served as a catalyst for regional economic development while addressing social challenges through research and community engagement.
Educational achievement as community investment represents a core principle in the university’s approach to graduation ceremonies. By featuring accomplished individuals like Good, ODU reinforces the connection between individual success and broader social contribution.
The ripple effects of inspiration extend beyond the graduating class to their families and communities. As graduates apply lessons from their academic experience and commencement speakers, they influence professional environments and civic spaces throughout Virginia and beyond.
Forward momentum
As preparations continue for the May ceremonies, anticipation builds among students completing their final academic requirements. The commencement represents not merely an ending but a transition into professional realms where their knowledge and skills will be tested.
Good’s presence signals the university’s recognition of entertainment’s cultural influence while acknowledging the industry’s demanding standards for excellence and innovation. Her career trajectory from supporting roles to leading performances parallels the graduates’ journey from foundational learning to specialized expertise.
The university’s 142nd Commencement ceremonies will blend academic tradition with contemporary relevance, creating a memorable experience for graduates at this pivotal moment in their personal and professional development. With Good’s compelling story as inspiration, these new alumni will carry forward both their academic preparation and a strengthened sense of possibility.
