Commencement 2025 - Deepening Roots, Expanding Branches, and Cultivating Good
The chilly winds did not stop the smiles and anticipation of the Class of 2025. At the 178th Commencement, the 359 graduates sat among joyful family and friends, full of celebration, as President Katie Conboy presented their diplomas, proof of their hard work and determination. Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese addressed the Class of 2025, speaking on her presidential theme of “Building Bridges,” connecting the graduates’ empowered futures to their college days. McAleese spoke of her own college experience in Northern Ireland, which at the time was marked by war and violence. She urged all Belles to stay in touch with each other: “Fifty years later those friends from all backgrounds and politics and faiths that I sat beside on my graduation day are today my rocks, my joy, the laughter in my life. I hope you will be all that to each other. That also is Saint Mary’s College’s gift to each of you.” In her speech, Kathryn “Katie” Clem, one of four valedictorians of 2025, stood before her class and spoke about the symbolism of the campus trees. Clem illustrated how the trees represent something full and long lasting. She encouraged her class, as they move forward, to do just as Sister Madeleva Wolff, CSC did when she started the Dedicated Tree Program: to look around at the empty spaces in life and cultivate something good, continuing to deepen their roots and expand their branches far beyond.
Commencement Honorees
In addition to Mary McAleese, the College proudly bestowed honorary degrees on Sylvia Acevedo, for her myriad roles in empowering women in the STEM fields, and Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ, author of the best-selling book Dead Man Walking, for her tireless work to abolish capital punishment in the United States.
Valedictorians
In recognition of their outstanding academic achievement, four seniors were named valedictorians for the Class of 2025. Bridget Walicki graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Kathryn “Katie” Clem pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Religious Studies and Theology as well as an Interdisciplinary Self-Designed Major program titled Arts Innovation and Leadership. Piper Ogden completed her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with licensure in reading and a minor in Mathematics. Molly Minick completed her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a double minor in Anthropology and History.