Commencement Photo Album
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Class of 2025 Embraces Hopeful Future at Stonehill College’s 74th Commencement
Family and friends celebrated the achievements of graduating students during the ceremony, held Sunday, May 18, on the Quad.
Undergraduate and graduate students from the Class of 2025 received their diplomas at Stonehill College’s 74th Commencement, held Sunday, May 18, on the Quad. Rev. Kevin Spicer, C.S.C., dean of the Thomas and Donna May School of Arts & Sciences, served as master of ceremonies.
Delivering their remarks under the purple and white canopy that has become a hallmark of Stonehill’s graduation exercises, this year’s speakers emphasized to degree recipients the importance of leading with heart and exhibiting fortitude in the pursuit of their goals.
Knowing, Loving & Serving
Botond Rice ’25 opened the ceremony with the Invocation. He asked for God’s blessings upon the Class of 2025 in the days ahead.
“As we move forward, celebrating accomplishment and transition, may we continue to make You known, loved, and served in all that we do,” Rice said.
Rev. Kevin Spicer, C.S.C., dean of the Thomas and Donna May School of Arts & Sciences
Botond Rice '25
Being Bold but Remaining True
The citation conferring an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree upon Elizabeth (Fox) Hayden ’76, P’04 was read by Associate Professor of English Laura Scales. It noted Hayden’s efforts to positively impact others through her work with Stonehill’s Board of Trustees and other organizations.
“Your wise counsel has helped to ensure that the campus community can embrace its bold future while remaining true to its mission of educating hearts and minds,” the citation read.
Demonstrating Integrity & Compassion
Read by Professor of Communication & Media Studies Anne Mattina, the citation bestowing an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree upon Joe Castiglione P’96, former announcer for the Boston Red Sox, highlighted his thoughtful radio commentary, his mentorship of college students, and his support of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
“For your commitment to excellence in the broadcast booth and beyond, you have earned the admiration of athletes, colleagues, baseball fans, and members of the Stonehill community,” the citation read.
Following Your Dreams & Paying it Forward
While addressing the Class of 2025, Castiglione discussed the many blessings he has received throughout his illustrious career. The Red Sox legend encouraged graduates to view compassionate wisdom as “a basic foundation for success and happiness” while they pursue their own professional paths.
“Continue to give thought to what decisions and choices you have to make and what steps you have to take to live the kind of life that will have your family and friends saying many years from now that you followed your dreams, enjoyed your career, touched others, paid it forward, and did what your heart called you to do,” he said.
Left to Right: Elizabeth (Fox) Hayden ’76, P’04, President John Denning, C.S.C., and Joe Castiglione P’96
Making a Meaningful Effort
Erich Meslin ’24, M.S. ’25, delivered the graduate student address. He reflected on the efforts the Class of 2025 have undertaken to adapt and grow throughout their Stonehill days.
“As we leave this campus and take our next steps into new jobs, new opportunities, or maybe some well-deserved rest, I hope we carry with us the belief that effort counts, that we are enough, and that even when the future feels uncertain, we are prepared,” Meslin said.
Committing to Kindness
Lauren D’Arco ’25 served as this year’s undergraduate student speaker. She shared her thoughts on the value of kindness, noting that graduates can define success by how well they treat others.
“As we graduate and move away from good old Easton, Massachusetts, let’s strive to be the rainbow to someone else’s cloud and, in turn, allow others to be a rainbow for us,” she said.
Moving Forward with Courage & Confidence
Senior Class President Guilherme Vaz ’25 and Vice President Giovana Vieira ’25 presented the senior class gift, which will support the installment of a bronze Skyhawk statue inside the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex. This gift is part of an initiative that began with the Classes of 2017 and 2022.
“Our time here has shaped us into people ready to face the future with courage and confidence, just like the Skyhawk rising into the sky,” Vaz said. “This statue stands as a reminder that we were here, that we worked hard, supported one another, and left this place better than we found it.”
Senior Class Vice President Giovana Vieira ’25 (left) and President Guilherme Vaz ’25 (right)
Graduate Student Speaker Erich Meslin ’24, M.S. ’25
Undergraduate Student Speaker Lauren D'Arco '25
Honoring the Stonehill Experience
Alumni Council President Cicily (Roberts) Shaw ’97 offered remarks welcoming graduates to the Alumni Association. In her speech, she reminded the Class of 2025 that they are now ambassadors of Stonehill and the high-caliber education that it offers.
“Respect, honor, and treasure this role,” Shaw said. “Be proud of your time at Stonehill, share it with others, and consider how you can pay if to forward to future Skyhawks.”
Discerning & Embodying Hope
Rev. John Denning, C.S.C., president of Stonehill College, explored the topic of “discerning hope and embodying it for others.” He noted that graduates are well-prepared to take on these tasks because of the lessons they learned at Stonehill.
Your experiences here–in your studies, in sport, and in service–have illustrated to you the power of knowledge, kindness, and faith,” President Denning said. “When they are made a part of our daily practices, these virtues embolden us to reach higher than we thought possible.
Seeking the Good
Rev. Aaron Morris, C.S.C., campus minister for faith formation, concluded the ceremony with the Benediction. He asked that God share his grace with graduates as they seek to make the world a more just and compassionate place.
“We know that Stonehill College is forever changed because of these graduates today—by their particular dreams, their presence, their love,” Fr. Morris said. “We ask you to set them out into the world to beautify it and sanctify it by their life and their love. May they always seek the good and so continue to flourish and grow.”
Rev. John Denning, C.S.C., president of Stonehill College
Alumni Council President Cicily (Roberts) Shaw ’97
Rev. Aaron Morris, C.S.C., campus minister for faith formation