Caloggero and Hamilton Named Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2025
Assumption University has announced that Talia Caloggero, a health and human services major, has been named valedictorian, and Mary Kate Hamilton, an elementary education and English double major, has been named salutatorian for the Class of 2025.
At the commencement ceremony on May 18, Caloggero will deliver the valedictory address, and Hamilton will introduce this year’s commencement speaker: Jeffrey W. Talley G’85, a distinguished scholar, business leader, and retired three-star general.
Talia Caloggero ’25
Caloggero is from Maynard, Massachusetts. She recently won the discipline award for her major and is an Augustine Scholar. She served as head tutor in the Academic Support Center, president of the Assumption Disability Awareness Team, and president of the Political Debate Club–which she led for two years. Following graduation, Caloggero will remain at Assumption to pursue a master’s degree in school counseling.
“It is a great honor to be selected as valedictorian of the Class of 2025–and one that is shared with so many people within our Assumption community who helped me through this experience we call ‘college’,” said Caloggero. “Throughout my four years here at Assumption, I have been challenged academically and emotionally. Yet, it was never a challenge to find people who were truly willing to listen and offer genuine and authentic guidance. Thank you to those individuals, and for modeling true community. This is a lesson I will take with me as I continue my education in school counseling here at Assumption University within the Graduate School.”
Mary Kate Hamilton ’25
Hamilton is from Chelmsford, Massachusetts. She is an Augustine Scholar, head tutor in the Academic Support Center, and treasurer and historian of the
English Honor Society. She also served as the president of the Education Club and president of the Alumni Student Ambassadors Club. Following graduation, Hamilton will compete for the title of Miss Massachusetts USA.
“It is a profound honor to be recognized as salutatorian, and I am grateful for the opportunity to speak alongside Talia. As we celebrate the class of 2025, we are reminded of Assumption University’s mission, which teaches us that ‘to seek the highest good is to live well.’ This guiding principle has shaped us all into individuals committed to living with purpose, integrity, and service to the common good,” said Hamilton. “With that in mind, I am proud to introduce our commencement speaker, Lieutenant General Jeffery W. Talley, whose exemplary service and unwavering dedication reflect the core values that have inspired us throughout our journey at Assumption.”
Caloggero and Hamilton were chosen for these honors by the Valedictorian and Salutatorian Committee, which consisted of:
- Mr. Declan Casey, SGA Senator for the Class of 2025
- Ms. Evelyn Humphries, President of the Class of 2025
- Dr. Eloise Knowlton, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
- Dr. Frank Prior, Assistant Professor of Sociology
- Dr. Christian Williams, Assistant Professor of Health & Human Services