Resilience, community, and purpose: CEHD's 2025 commencement ceremony

Over 1,000 CEHD students participated in commencement at 3M Arena at Mariucci on May 16. Two separate ceremonies took place. Undergraduate students celebrated the completion of their bachelor’s of science degrees, and graduate students celebrated the completion of their MEd, MA, MS, MSW, and PhD programs.

“Take pride in your accomplishments because we need that now, perhaps more than ever before. In a time of unprecedented change, we need your determination, your resilience, and your compassion,” said Dean Michael C. Rodriguez at the undergraduate ceremony. “We need you, ready to face the challenges of today’s world. We need you who have faced challenges in the past and know you can do it again.”

Wajd Suliman and Hana Mamo, both proud first-generation college graduates, served as the 2025 undergraduate student speakers. Suliman earned her degree in business and marketing education, while Mamo graduated with a degree in family social science.

Reflecting on her time at CEHD, Suliman shared, “CEHD gave me a community. It gave me people who showed up, spoke up, and weren’t afraid to think differently. It wasn’t just about the major—it was about the environment we chose to grow in.”

Mamo closed with a powerful message for her fellow graduates: “In the moments of wondering if you were going to make it, remember to keep going. Lean on those there for you, and you can accomplish anything.”

Watch the undergraduate ceremony
Watch the graduate ceremony