April 23, 2025
Class of 2025:
As this message goes out, it is a mere 10 days until our undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies.
That’s 10 days until you don your cap and gown; until we meet on the stage inside Freede; and until you no longer call yourself an ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV student, but an ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV alum instead.
For many, this time will go by in a finals-filled blur. But I encourage you to stop for a moment to contemplate what you have accomplished – and to celebrate.
Just as I will shake your hand and congratulate you in person on May 3, the entire ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV family will celebrate you and how far you’ve come.
As we lead up to graduation, don’t forget to join in this celebration. Making it to this finish line is no small feat.
Whether you are an undergrad or graduate student, it’s likely that some part of your academic journey bridged the pandemic and the various uncertainties our world can bring us. The fact that you’re here now shows that you’ve tackled those challenges and come out for the better.
So celebrate yourself and your classmates. Take pride in the work that got you here.
At this moment, you’re on a precipice between what has been and what is yet to come. You may never occupy this space in your life again. Over these next 10 days, find time to slow down and relish the fact that no matter where you go from here, you will always be an accomplished person.
What’s more, you will always be an ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV Star.
I’m proud to say that, and I’m proud of you and your accomplishments.
Wishing you a bright and prosperous future,
Kenneth R. Evans
President
