President John Denning, C.S.C., Addresses the Class of 2025 at Commencement

Good morning, everyone. We are all truly blessed to be here today on such a beautiful day with family, friends, faculty, staff, and honored guests to reflect upon our time together at Stonehill College and celebrate your achievements. 

In his remarks, Joe Castiglione spoke of the “many paths” that he has faced in his life and career as a broadcaster. Graduates, I acknowledge that the idea of having to choose between diverging roads in the days ahead might seem overwhelming to some of you. Others might feel invigorated about having numerous personal and professional options within your reach. Whether it’s nervous apprehension or joyful anticipation that fills your heart and mind, I pray that you recognize how grace-filled the next chapter of your life can be. In this moment, remain open to the joy and promise of possibility. Allow yourself to embrace hope while you look forward to tomorrow.

A few months before his recent passing, Pope Francis published a book entitled “Hope is a Light in the Night.” This work offers reflections on the Jubilee of 2025, a Holy Year of celebration dedicated to the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Pope reflected that living a fulfilling existence means “knowing how to discern, everywhere, evidence of hope, the breaking through of the possible into the impossible.” He further explained that when we learn to do this, “we will then be able to marvel at how much good exists in the world. And our hearts will light up with hope.” 

Discerning hope and embodying it for others, especially amid the challenges of today’s world, is easier said than done. Life has a way of constructing barriers that can make the task feel almost impossible. But, as graduate student speaker Erich Meslin noted earlier, success–real success–is showing up when it’s hard, caring enough to do your best, and being willing to fail and try again. 

So, I encourage you to never lose hope in your ability to achieve your goals just because the potential of failure exists. 

Each of you are well-equipped to face life’s obstacles, thanks in large part to the values instilled by your Stonehill education. Your experiences here–in your studies, in sport, and in service–have illustrated to you the power of knowledge, kindness, and faith. When they are made a part of our daily practices, these virtues embolden us to reach higher than we thought possible. As such, I echo undergraduate speaker Lauren D’Arco by reminding you to never go too long without feeling the joy that comes with being kindhearted.

As you step into the future, full of light and hope, remember that this beloved community will always be here, ready to welcome you home. Since graduating in 1976, honorary degree recipient Liz Hayden has maintained deep and meaningful ties to this institution. A pilgrim of hope dedicated to actions that promote compassion and solidarity, she has selflessly offered her time and talents to the College on so many occasions. I invite each of you to follow her lead by continuing to cherish the connections you created here, as well as by paying forward the lessons learned. 

Thank you for sharing your gifts with us these many years. Your contributions have helped fortify this institution, making it a brighter place for all who call our campus home. 

May Mary, Queen of the Summit, grant you wisdom and courage on the road ahead. Congratulations, Class of 2025, and may God bless you and your families.