Western New England University (WNE) celebrated its Class of 2025 across two commencement ceremonies held on Thursday, May 15—one for undergraduate students and one for graduate and professional degree recipients. These events recognized the achievements of 894 graduates who earned degrees across various disciplines.
The ceremony was attended by the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, families, and friends, all gathered to honor the graduates' hard work and dedication. The air was filled with excitement as the graduates, adorned in their caps and gowns, prepared to embark on the next chapter of their lives.
University President Robert E. Johnson, while addressing the Class of 2025, highlighted their resilience and adaptability, noting the unique challenges they faced and overcame during their academic journey. The President also acknowledged the support of faculty, staff, and families in helping the graduates reach this significant milestone.
"You are the Class of Agility," said President Johnson. "From your first semester on, you had to adapt not once, but again and again. You learned to stay flexible, to face unfamiliar circumstances with calm, and to keep striving when others might have paused. That is not just a skill—it is a strength. And it will serve you well for the rest of your lives."
Serving as commencement speaker for both ceremonies was Amy Fliegelman Olli, a distinguished alumna of the School of Law and a leader in the global technology sector. Olli inspired graduates with insights drawn from her decades of executive leadership, emphasizing the importance of integrity, lifelong learning, and resilience in navigating a rapidly changing world. “What our world needs most from you is not perfection… it’s persistence. We need people who have the guts to keep going, even when they don’t have it figured out.”
Her remarks resonated with students across all disciplines, reminding them of the power of their WNE education and the values that will guide them forward.
A highlight of the commencement was the keynote address by student Elizabeth Heiney, who acknowledged commencement as a “mountain top moment” and who reminded her fellow graduates that their journey was about more than just a diploma. Heiney emphasized the "Golden Bear Spirit" and the importance of community, growth, and perseverance. "We became leaders, teammates, artists, researchers, and changemakers," Heiney said, reflecting on her class's journey. Heiney will begin her professional journey as a Rotational Analyst at Värde Partners, a global private equity firm, where she looks forward to continuing her growth and making a meaningful impact in her new community.
The Class of 2025 comprises: 593 undergraduates, 7 Ph.D. recipients, 98 School of Law graduates (84 JD, 13 LLM, 1 MS), 35 Doctor of Pharmacy graduates, 17 Occupational Therapy Doctorate graduates, and 145 master's degree holders.
The undergraduate class represented 19 states, with the top 5 fields of study being Psychology, Mechanical Engineering, Criminal Justice, Finance, and Sports Management. Graduate and professional students came from 23 states. In addition, the graduating class included international students from Canada, India, Ireland, Malaysia, and Pakistan.
Another significant moment in the ceremony was the presentation of the annual Teaching Excellence Award. This year, the award was given to Tara Grealis, Professional Educator of Accounting, whose dedication to her students, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment have left a lasting impact on the University. Professor Grealis's contributions to the College of Business were met with enthusiastic applause and admiration from students and colleagues alike.
As the ceremony concluded, graduates celebrated with their family and friends, taking photos and sharing their excitement for the future. The WNE Class of 2025 now joins the ranks of Golden Bear alumni, ready to make their mark on the world.
Visit the WNE Commencement website for links to view both recorded ceremonies.
