Class Day Crossover 2025 program features actor Karan Brar

By Anna Chapman April 2, 2025

Among the multitude of celebrations to honor graduates from across Emory is one that turns campus into a unique place of celebration with music, food and community.

Actor Karan Brar has been named the keynote speaker for Emory’s 2025 Class Day Crossover, a program celebrating students receiving bachelor’s degrees from Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Goizueta Business School, the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing and the Emory School of Medicine’s Medical Imaging Program.

Held on Thursday, May 8, from 6-11 p.m., the student activities kick off with a Senior Reception in the Emory Student Center (ESC), complete with food, music and camaraderie. Attendance is limited to only members of the Class of 2025 for the Class Day portion of the program, including the keynote address by Brar. Members of the Emory community are invited to the Crossover portion to cheer on the graduates.

Members of last year’s graduating class, the Class of 2024, are invited to participate in the Class Day Crossover celebration at the Alumni and Community Reception and then will be encouraged to follow the Class of 2025 in the Candlelight Crossover procession of the evening program.

Following the Senior Reception, the Class Day Program begins in the ESC Multipurpose Room, kicking off Commencement Weekend. The program will feature senior awards, a final Coke Toast for graduates and inspiring words from student-selected Class Day speaker Karan Brar.

Karan Brar will deliver the keynote speech for Class Day Crossover, happening May 8.

Maya Minhas

After the program, just as twilight falls over the Atlanta campus, the students are invited to participate in a treasured tradition: the Candlelight Crossover. Students will receive candles and walk as a class from the ESC to McDonough Field while alumni, faculty, staff, and other Emory community members line the path and cheer them on, symbolizing the moment the Class of 2025 transitions from students to alumni.

The group will follow the crossover path to a glow party on McDonough Field exclusively for the Class of 2025, featuring refreshments (including alcohol for those 21 and over), student DJs and senior class photo opportunities with special props and backgrounds, which are always a class favorite.

Brar is best known for his leading roles on Disney’s “Jessie” and “Bunk’d,” where he played the network’s first-ever series-regular Indian character. In addition to television roles, he has starred in the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” franchise, “Stargirl,” “Pacific Rim: Uprising” and the Adam Sandler-led movie “Hubie Halloween.”

Brar recently made his theatrical debut in “Data,” a techno-thriller about Silicon Valley.

Beyond acting, Brar serves as an advisory board member to The Cameron Boyce Foundation, which focuses on providing resources and support to those affected by epilepsy, founded and named after late “Jessie” co-star Cameron Boyce.

“We’re excited for Karan Brar to be this year’s speaker because he represents so much of what our senior class values — authenticity, resilience and purpose. As an actor and advocate, he’s used his voice to uplift others and spark important conversations,” says Guyberson Pierre, a senior studying sociology and philosophy, politics and law. Pierre served on the student speaker selection committee for Class Day Crossover.

“His journey, marked by both personal and professional growth, mirrors many of the challenges we’ve faced as students preparing for life beyond Emory. I think his message will resonate because it speaks to finding strength amidst uncertainty and defining success on our own terms,” says Pierre.

Class Day program speakers are selected by a group of graduating students. Previous speakers include Kal Penn, Scott Kelly, Chelsea Handler, Adam Richman, Kenneth Cole, Mia Farrow, Peyton Manning, Ben & Jerry, Bill Nye and Chipper Jones.

Spotlight on outstanding members of the Class of 2025

The Class Day Crossover program is also home to the presentation of several senior awards.

The Boisfeuillet Jones Medals honor students selected for their good citizenship, outstanding leadership, devoted service to Emory and the community, academic performance and potential to become a “change agent” in their chosen profession and society at large.

Presented to an administrator or staff member, the Brit Katz Senior Appreciation Award recipient is selected by seniors for service as a role model and friend to the Class of 2025, for participation in the Emory community beyond their professional duty who is deemed worthy of special recognition.

Lastly, the Knights of Emory Spirit Awards will recognize two outstanding seniors who have made great contributions to the university and promote Emory spirit with passion and selflessness.

Emory alumni, faculty, staff and community are invited

Celebrating the Class of 2025 and ushering them into the next stage of life isn’t limited to students — many members of the Emory community played important roles in their journeys.

Emory alumni, faculty, staff and community members are invited to light the path around the Student Center Plaza and Asbury Circle to celebrate graduates during the Candlelight Crossover.

Candles will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to sport their Emory gear, bring signs and cheer. Before Crossover activities, alumni and community members are invited to enjoy a reception with Emory swag and refreshments from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Emory Student Center Commons, 2nd floor.

Participation is essential to building on Emory’s tradition and culture of support, and thus is strongly encouraged for all who work with and/or support Emory students; please register to attend.

Emory University Commencement 2025 Monday, May 12 8:30 a.m. \| Emory Quadrangle Emory University’s 180th Commencement events will take place May 8-12. Usher Raymond IV, Grammy Award-winning performer and philanthropist, will deliver the keynote address at Emory University’s 180th Commencement, scheduled for Monday, May 12, on the Emory Quadrangle. The Commencement Ceremony is a ticketed event for all 2025 graduates and their guests. The ceremony will be livestreamed for the entire Emory community. To learn more, visit Emory’s Commencement website.

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Spotlight on outstanding members of the Class of 2025

Emory alumni, faculty, staff and community are invited

Emory University Commencement 2025

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