FROSTBURG — Frostburg State University will celebrate the student achievements of its fall 2025 graduating class at the 167th Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 17 in the Cordts Physical Education Center Main Arena at 2 p.m.
This year’s commencement speakers are Koley Richard from the College of Business, Engineering, Computing and Analytics; Kayla Casey from the College of Education, Behavioral & Health Professions; and Emily Guardado Toledo from the College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences.
Richard, of Oakland, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in human resource management. Her hard work has earned her a spot on the Dean’s List for four consecutive semesters since transferring to FSU. She works two jobs and still finds time to volunteer her time with her church and at Vacation Bible School. “Koley is one of those students who always actively participates in classroom discussions, and through her contributions, helps maintain a stimulating classroom atmosphere,” said Management and Marketing Department Chair Michael Monahan. “She brings life to the class with her engaging personality and friendly demeanor, as she excels at critical thinking and inspiring her classmates.”
Casey, of Nottingham, Maryland, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in recreation and parks management with a minor in geography. She has been fully engaged while at FSU serving as an outdoor adventures intern with FSU CANOE and as a climbing wall instructor. Casey was also selected as a student panelist at Maryland’s first annual Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit. “Throughout her academic career, Kayla has demonstrated a deep commitment to the park and recreation profession, with a clear objective of serving as a park ranger and promoting environmental interpretation, outdoor recreation and conservation,” said recreation and parks management professor Natalia Buta Lowe. “Her academic and professional record reflects her dedication and passion for the profession.”
Guardado Toledo, of Frostburg, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in creative writing. At FSU, she serves on the executive board for TRIO Student Support Services, is the vice president of the McNair Student Advisory Board, is the Chief of Staff for Creative Minds and is a member of Sigma Tau Delta. Guardado Toledo was also a Bobcat Ambassador in the Department of Admissions. “Besides being a terrific student and a phenomenal writer, Emily has participated in the McNair Summer Research Institute where she has been a standout participant,” said chair of the Department of Communication and Literature Kevin Knott. “Emily has proven herself to be one of the most active and accomplished majors we have ever had, and we could not be more pleased with all that she has brought to the program and university.”
Tickets are required to attend commencement. For more information, visit the FSU Commencement webpage at https://www.frostburg.edu/annual-events/commencement/. The ceremony will also be streamed live online. For the livestream, visit FSU’s website at www.frostburg.edu on the day of the ceremony.