The Class of 2025 is Ready to Soar
Last week, Saint Joseph’s celebrated its newest graduating class across six ceremonies and two locations.
Graduates of Saint Joseph’s University’s Class of 2025 were joined alongside their friends and families at this year’s Commencement ceremonies, recognizing their hard work as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. The University conferred undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees at both its Hawk Hill and Lancaster locations over the span of four days.
Commencement week began on Wednesday, May 14, honoring those graduating from the School of Nursing and Allied Health, Erivan K. Haub School of Business and School of Health Professions in Lancaster. Erin Talley, DNP ’25, — a clinical instructor, doctoral graduate and mother to a Class of 2025 nursing graduate — offered her unique point of view at the ceremony.
“Let us appreciate our unique journeys that have been shaped by our challenges, triumphs and growth — growth that embodies courage, determination and resilience,” said Talley. “Fellow graduates, this is the beginning of a new adventure with opportunities to learn, grow and make a difference.”
The week continued with Saint Joseph’s master’s and doctoral ceremonies on Hawk Hill on Thursday, May 15, followed by the two-day undergraduate ceremonies on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17.
“Surprise, I’m the Commencement speaker!” Edwin J. Torres, BS '25, MS ’27, remarked to his family after making his way to the podium. From losing his home in Puerto Rico to finding his spot on the Commencement stage, Torres opened his Valedictorian speech at the Erivan K. Haub School of Business undergraduate ceremony with a message about the strength of community.
"No matter where life takes you, no matter what difficulties you face, the people you call family will always be there to help you," said Torres, BS '25, MS ’27, accounting and business intelligence and analytics double major.
Joining the graduates were three honorary degree recipients — Muffet McGraw, BS ’77, H ’25, legendary women’s basketball coach; Joan Rosenhauer, H ’25, former executive director of the Jesuit Refugee Service; and Vijendra Nalamothu, PhD ’11, H ’25, founder of Tergus Pharma and ApoStrata.
These recipients have dedicated themselves and their work to giving back to the Philadelphia community, from supporting low-income and immigrant families to founding a nonprofit aimed at ending hunger, and developing medical interventions through dermatological research.
President Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, commemorated each ceremony with a powerful message of encouragement and purpose to the Class of 2025 as they embark on their next journey.
“This, Hawks, this is your greatest calling — the world needs your brand of brave, compassionate and able-minded leadership. Make the world a better place. Keep looking forward. Learn from the people ahead of you, but live for the people behind you. I am confident in you, and in the future you will build,” said Dr. McConnell.
