Students celebrating at Spring Commencement. Photo by Glen E. Ellman, May 10, 2025.
This spring, the Bob Schieffer College of Communication celebrated the graduation of approximately 309 undergraduate and 14 master’s students across our four academic departments: Communication Studies, Film, Television and Digital Media, Journalism and Strategic Communication. The day was filled with joy, pride and a strong sense of community as Horned Frogs crossed the stage and stepped into their next chapters.
A Moment to Celebrate
Students and families taking photos at the Schieffer Graduation Celebration.
On commencement weekend, graduates and their families gathered in the Schieffer atrium for a relaxed and meaningful reception hosted by the college. With popsicles in hand and spring sunshine overhead, students took photos, connected with faculty and received a small gift to mark the milestone.
Dean Kristie Bunton shared parting wisdom that will echo far beyond campus: “Plant trees in whose shade you will never stand.”
Her words served as a reminder to lead with generosity and purpose, the hallmarks of the Schieffer College experience.
Honoring Taylor Sheridan with a Doctor of Letters
Taylor Sheridan with his Doctorate of Letters at Spring Commencement. Photo by Glen E. Ellman, May 9, 2025.
During the university-wide ceremonies, acclaimed writer, director and producer Taylor Sheridan was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree. A Fort Worth native and the creative force behind Yellowstone, Hell or High Water and Landman, Sheridan has become a strong supporter of TCU students, especially in the Film, Television and Digital Media department.
“Prove them wrong, and never look back for their reaction to your success,” Sheridan told graduates. “They belong where they are — squarely in your shadow.”
Read more about Sheridan’s recognition and TCU’s record-breaking spring commencement.
Recognizing Outstanding Graduate Students
Dr. Josh Bentley fist bumping a graduate on stage at Spring Commencement. Photo by Glen E. Ellman, May 10, 2025.
This year marked TCU’s first dedicated graduate commencement ceremony, held the evening of May 9. In addition to honoring Schieffer’s 12 master’s graduates, the college and TCU’s Office of Graduate Studies presented several awards for academic excellence and mentorship:
Outstanding Communication Studies Teaching Assistant: August Harper
Outstanding Strategic Communication Teaching Assistant: Gracie McGill
Outstanding Graduate Student Research: August Harper
Outstanding Graduate Student Thesis: Sydney Rhodes
Outstanding Graduate Faculty Mentor: Dr. Amorette Hinderaker
These awards reflect the innovative research, strong faculty-student relationships and transformative teaching that define graduate education at Schieffer.
As they step beyond the campus gates, our newest alumni carry forward the Schieffer spirit — ready to lead, create and communicate with integrity.