108th Undergraduate Commencement Celebrates Class of 2025 

On Sunday, May 18, the Assumption community, along with distinguished guests, family, and friends, gathered to celebrate the academic achievements of the class of 2025.  

The Class of 2025 saw 349 students walk across the stage to receive their diploma, with 44 graduates achieving double majors and one achieving a triple major. Students from 16 states and territories and four countries outside the United States were represented in the graduating class.  

After an introduction from Provost Marc Guerra, an invocation from Rev. Chi Ai Nguyen, and the National Anthem sung by the Assumption University Chorale, President Greg Weiner gave a welcome to the crowd. 

The Class of 2025 valedictorian Talia Caloggero then gave the valedictory address, referencing the Greatest Generation and what the Class of 2025 could learn from their experiences. Caloggero drew parallels between that generation and her class, noting that both faced unprecedented challenges that were overcome through community building. 

“When the pandemic was all over, our life had just begun, and that life began here at Assumption University,” she said. “In much the same way as the Greatest Generation, we revitalized our Assumption campus. We rebuilt our community just as they did, albeit on a smaller scale, and we did it all in the company of friends. If we can do this, what is to stop us from taking our goodwill and compassion and changing the world’s community?” 

Caloggero then discussed the Greatest Generation’s view on happiness, noting that a study done in 1938 showed that the happiest members of the groups were those that had strong relationships of all types.  

“The Greatest Generation shows us that happiness doesn’t occur in isolation. It is a product of communion with others,” Caloggero said. “In our classes, we were tasked with considering the concept of happiness. We learned that happiness is having the highest good, and the highest good is God. The closest we can get to God on Earth is through the communion of saints – community.”  

“Regardless of whether we find ourselves in the fields we are entering today or endeavoring in something we could never have imagined, we will be incredibly skilled at what we do, loving what we do, and letting that passion transfer to helping others. Our generation can only use their achievements, their accomplishments, and their character as an inspiration to who we can become.” 

Class of 2025 salutatorian Mary Kate Hamilton then introduced commencement speaker Jeffrey W. Talley G’85, noting his impressive resume in academia, business, and the United States Army Reserve as a three-star general.  

“Talley’s achievements are abundant and his insight on leadership is deeply aligned with the values of Assumption,” she said. “He reminds us to be people of character, and that leadership is about humble, selfless service, being engaged, and making a positive impact in the world by serving something greater than yourself.” 

In his remarks, Talley shared some of the observations he has made on leadership during his career with the class, underscoring competence, commitment, and character – and offering advice as they advance professionally. The most important thing, he said, was character, and that as a leader, you must help other leaders thrive. 

“Today, more than ever, the world needs leaders who have received a solid foundation in academics but have also been formed in a manner of faith with an emphasis on service to others,” he said. “This holistic education is exactly what you’ve received at Assumption University, but now it’s time, as they say, to venture out and make your mark.” 

Talley encouraged the students to take chances in life, as he said he found the greatest gifts of his professional career once he decided to take risks and serve others through his profession. 

“If you don’t take risks, you will never do anything. If you don’t take chances, you’ll never do anything. So, get out there and take some chances,” he said.  “Get out of your comfort zone – whether it’s in teaching, research, or your professional life – and that’s where you’re going to find the greatest rewards.”  

An honorary doctorate of humane letters was bestowed upon Talley following his remarks, followed by the conferral of degrees upon the Class of 2025.  

Jeff Gillooly, Vice President of University Advancement, officially welcomed the new graduates into the Assumption University Alumni Association. “You have been lifted up by the Assumption graduates who have come before you, and now you will support those who follow along in your footsteps,” he said. “We look forward to working with you in the many years ahead throughout the rest of your lives.” 

Taking the podium to deliver his final official remarks to the class, President Weiner led with a unique charge. 

“Stay awake,” he said. “In the sense in which I hope your education has awakened you. I am supposed to tell you to use your education to change the world. I have no doubt that you will. But changing the world is a cliche that assumes too much and says too little… Use your Assumption education to make a living – but live for those things that are, in the noblest sense, the sense of appreciating for their own sake, ultimately useless because they are intrinsically good. Stay awake to discovery through the intellectual virtues of humility, courage, and charity. If you stay awake, if you tend the flame of truth and goodness and beauty, that by itself will change the world.”