‘Your time is now’: Purdue Global alumna encourages new grads during May commencement ceremonies

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Nicole Richardson Hicks, a 2021 Purdue Global alumna and the keynote speaker at Saturday’s (May 3) commencement ceremonies, had a clear message for the new graduates.

“Whether it’s your first steppingstone or you’re adding to your collection, every achievement is worth celebrating,” Hicks said. “This is just the beginning — step into the future you’re creating, no matter the obstacles. Your time is now.”

Hicks, of Wellington, Florida, knows this from her own experience. Her journey of overcoming obstacles resonates with many, as she made the bold decision to complete her comeback by enrolling and earning her degree at Purdue Global a few years ago.

“Don’t be afraid to go big in what drives you,” Hicks said. “You are unstoppable, you are capable, and most of all, you are more.”

Hicks shared her encouraging message to the 2,654 graduates — 1,830 in person and 824 participating in two virtual ceremonies, a record high for a Purdue Global commencement weekend. More than 12,000 guests, faculty and staff attended the in-person ceremonies at Purdue University’s Elliott Hall of Music in West Lafayette. 

Interim chancellor Jon Harbor conferred the degrees. Graduates included 474 Indiana residents and represented all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. There were 406 graduates affiliated with the military. Also being celebrated were 63 systemwide Purdue University employees who earned a Purdue Global degree or certificate via the Purdue Global education benefit.

Teresa Hegwood of Portage, Michigan; Danielle Shields of Bellwood, Illinois; and Jeremy Meeker-Hackett of Windermere, Florida, performed the national anthem for the three in-person ceremonies. Hegwood earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice — her third degree from Purdue Global. Shields, an active-duty member of the U.S. Army, earned her Bachelor of Science in professional studies. Meeker-Hackett earned his Master of Business Administration.

Check out the Purdue Global commencement photo gallery here. 

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults, with more than 36,000 students enrolled and an estimated 12,000 degrees and certificates awarded yearly.

Purdue Global is an expansion of Purdue’s 21st century land-grant mission to provide educational access to all people. Purdue Global helps prepare students for what’s next in their lives and careers by offering programs that lead to a degree backed by Purdue University.

The next Purdue Global commencement is scheduled for Oct. 11, 2025, in West Lafayette.

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.