School of Graduate Studies Celebrates 2025 Commencement
On Wednesday, May 21, the Assumption community gathered in the Plourde Recreation Center to celebrate the achievements of the School of Graduate Studies’ class of 2025.
In his remarks, Assumption University President Greg Weiner reflected on the power graduates possess to shape the world in the pursuit of the common good.
“We change [the world] in reality by changing what is before us – one student, one client, one customer, one decision, one moment at a time,” he said. “Fostering a society united in common purpose requires us to embrace our pursuits with singular purpose. When we think about our pursuit of the common good, we must always be reminded that it begins in our relationships with one another and radiates outward.”
The commencement speaker for this year’s graduate ceremony was Sheila Harrity G’92, a nationally renowned educational leader who served as Superintendent of the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School District from 2014-2022. She was introduced by Kim Schandel, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, who gave Harrity’s educational and professional background to the audience.
“I asked Dr. Harrity about winning a national award and hosting the President of the United States, and in the brief conversation I had with her, she never mentioned this – it was really all about the students and the students’ accomplishments,” Schandel said. “Even in retirement, Dr. Harrity is improving the educational experience for our youth. She found her passion, and she followed it. Her life’s work has not followed a straight path, yet it has helped thousands, really tens of thousands, of children and youth on their life’s journey.”
Harrity spoke to the students about her educational and professional journey, saying that she hoped it would help the graduate students reflect on the concept of developing strong morals to create a better world.
“The values instilled in me at Assumption, the respect for human dignity and commitment to the common good, laid the ethical foundation I’ve carried with me throughout every role I’ve had,” she said. “I believe deeply that when we root our work in service and we act from a place of moral conviction, real change becomes possible.”
Harrity noted the accomplishments that students in the Class of 2025 had already achieved, including hours of service in each of the fields of study and the launching of a recovery center program by a student in the Rehabilitation Counseling program.
“Many of you have already found a solid place to stand, and you’re already using your training to make a difference,” Harrity said. “As you leave here today with advanced degrees in hand, you carry something powerful – knowledge, experience, and a professional network that includes your professors and your classmates. It is my hope that the work you have done here at Assumption University has contributed to that grounding, that center, and that you are poised and ready to position yourself in this world.”
Following Harrity’s address to the class, graduate students were presented with their academic hoods by their respective program directors and received their degrees.
Fr. Dennis M. Gallagher, A.A., bestowed a blessing upon the graduates to close the ceremony.
“God of wisdom and strength, we give you thanks for this grace-filled celebration in which we have recognized and honored the achievements of these men and women of the Assumption class of 2025,” he said. “You have blessed them with gifts of intelligence, and persistence, and hard work, and we ask you to bless them abundantly as they continue to be good stewards of these gifts in the service of others.”
To view photos from the School of Graduate Studies Commencement, click here. The full livestream recording can be viewed below.