Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco congratulated the graduate students on their achievements and requested they reflect on all the hard work that went into earning their degrees. 

The chancellor’s remarks focused on how, even during global crises and societal challenges, higher education plays an important role. Public research universities like UMass Boston cultivate civility and prepare graduates to become active, thoughtful citizens ready to build a better future.

“Your graduate education has unleashed your scholarly citizenship and secured a role for you in the marketplace of consequential ideas,” he said.

To address the most pressing challenges, the chancellor called for a renewed commitment to civility. “Citizens coming together for the public good is essential to tackling the challenges of our times,” Chancellor Suárez-Orozco said. “We need the UMass Boston Class of 2025 right now.”

UMass Trustee Mary Burns greeted the graduates and their families on behalf of President Marty Meehan and the UMass Board of Trustees, celebrating the graduates as future leaders prepared to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields. She acknowledged UMass Boston’s vibrant, diverse academic community and the graduates’ perseverance in earning their degrees.

“You are exceptional students who have navigated demanding schedules, along with work and family responsibilities, to earn your advanced degree,” Burns said. “And you leave this university with a world-class education.”

This year’s graduate student speaker, Charlotte Kyeremah, who earned a doctorate degree in biophysics, delivered a speech on resilience, purpose, and the power of education. Born in Ghana and the first in her family to pursue higher education, Kyeremah spoke openly about the obstacles she faced, including her father’s illness and the culture shock of moving to the U.S. 

She credited her grandfather’s support and her mentors for helping her reach this moment. 

“We didn’t just earn degrees,” she said. “We earned resilience. We earned a voice. We earned the right to be here and to be heard.”

Kyeremah’s message was one of determination and shared purpose. “Impact is never about size,” she said. “Sometimes, the smallest action creates the greatest ripple.”

The graduate commencement ceremony also celebrated two alumni leaders who received the Chancellor’s Medal for Distinguished Service. Governor Janet T. Mills ‘70, the first woman elected as governor of Maine and an alumna of UMass Boston, was recognized for her leadership. Under her administration, Maine received record-breaking economic growth, investments in workforce development, and expanded access to healthcare. Mills was praised for her dedication to public service, fiscal responsibility, and her efforts to protect residents from the opioid crisis and dishonest lending practices.

State Representative Michael J. Moran ‘96, another UMass Boston alumnus, was also awarded the Chancellor’s Medal for Distinguished Service. A lifelong Brighton resident and current Majority Leader of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Moran has advocated for equity, immigrant representation, and worker protections throughout his career. He helped secure land for a community health center that serves over 15,000 mostly immigrant patients annually, and co-authored the nation’s most comprehensive bill of rights for domestic workers. Moran was recognized for his public service and advocacy for vulnerable communities.

Phil Carver, president of the UMass Boston Alumni Association, welcomed the graduates into the global alumni network, now more than 115,000 strong. 

As graduates rose to receive their degrees and shift their tassels from right to left, their family and friends in the audience cheered in celebration.

“Graduates, as you go forth, take pride in all you have accomplished at UMass Boston,” Chancellor Suárez-Orozco said. “We are truly proud of you.”