Fall 2025 Commencement Speaker Is Louisiana Poet Laureate & Delgado Associate Professor Gina Ferrara

December 11, 2025

Delgado Community College will confer approximately 1,350 associate degrees and certificates to graduates during Fall Commencement on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 10 a.m., at Senator Nat G. Keifer University of New Orleans Lakefront Arena, 6801 Franklin Ave. in New Orleans.

Gina Ferrara, Louisiana Poet Laureate and Associate Professor of English at Delgado, will serve as commencement speaker.

A distinguished writer, published author, and deeply embedded resident of New Orleans, Ferrara, has served Delgado students since 2009. Earlier this year, she was appointed to a two-year term as Louisiana’s Poet Laureate where serves as the official literary ambassador of the state, while maintaining a full and engaging course schedule at Delgado.  

Dr. Larissa Littleton-Steib, Chancellor of Delgado Community College said, “Gina Ferrara has provided valuable instruction, guidance, and support to current and past Delgado graduates. She is a tremendous asset to our students, faculty, and community, and we are honored to have her impart wisdom to graduates as they embark on new career paths and pursuits.”

Ferrara said, “Commencement is a huge accomplishment for Delgado students. It's the ultimate culmination of hard work that often requires navigating challenges, both academic and otherwise. Because of this, I couldn't be prouder or more honored to serve as commencement speaker on this monumental day.”

Supporters and the public are welcome to attend commencement in person or watch via live stream HERE.