Sami Grace Donnelly selected as student marshal for Auburn University's spring 2025 commencement
Sami Grace Donnelly, a graduating senior from Franklin, Tennessee, has been named the spring 2025 graduation marshal for the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University.
Donnelly will graduate with a degree in English literature and minors in Spanish and Journalism. Donnelly serves as the editor-in-chief for the Auburn Plainsman, worked as a student recruiter for the University and is a member of Chi Omega sorority.
“My enthusiasm for communication and conviction about the truth compelled me to work for The Auburn Plainsman. Little by little, I realized how fulfilling it was to study storytelling, writing, editing and cultural studies,” Donnelly said. “Through the intentionality of my professors, I found the perfect combination of English literature with Journalism and Spanish that allowed me to explore all my passions and talents.”
In addition to her studies at Auburn, Donnelly took part in an Auburn Abroad program at the University de Alcalá in Spain. There, Donnelly expanded her writing skills by serving as a liaison for the Auburn Plainsman to illuminate the lifestyle of living abroad.
“I am fulfilled by creative and clear communication, and I see myself serving my family, community and world with this passion, supplemented by hard work,” Donnelly said. “I plan on representing the strength of my Auburn education and family as I go into postgraduate education and beyond.”
After graduating, Donnelly plans to pursue a graduate degree in creative writing “out of both passion and appreciation for the beauty of literature.” She hopes to pursue a career at a publishing company and eventually live out her dream of publishing the novel that she began writing at Auburn.
“Sami’s inspiring commitment to storytelling, service and journalism represents everything the College of Liberal Arts believes in,” said Dean Jason Hicks. “We are so excited for Sami to lead her graduating class and look forward to reading her published works.”
The university will host the College of Liberal Arts commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. CT on Sunday, May 11. The commencement address will be delivered by Auburn alumnus Eric Ludgood ’78. Additional information, including updates regarding inclement weather, is available on the commencement website and information will be posted on the Facebook and Instagram accounts.
All ceremonies will be livestreamed, with recordings available on the commencement website following the weekend festivities, and graduates and their families are encouraged to check the website regularly for updated information.
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