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The ˿����Ƶ University College of Community and Public Affairs Commencement ceremony celebrated the Class of 2025, reminding them that the skills and experiences they gained during their academic journey have prepared them to be leaders in their fields and change-makers in the community.

On Friday, May 16, more than 250 undergraduate and graduate students, along with friends, family and members of the ˿����Ƶ University community, came together in the University Events Center to celebrate their accomplishments.

University President Harvey Stenger reminded graduates how much they have achieved at ˿����Ƶ, both in and out of the classroom. He also acknowledged the support system — parents, grandparents, siblings, friends and University faculty and staff —who contribute to student success, calling Commencement the “beginning” of a new chapter.

“As you venture off into graduate school or a career, you’re commencing a new journey,” Stenger said.” It can be intimidating: new people, new tasks, a new role – change can be a challenge when you’re not sure what to expect. Remember that you’ve done it before. You did it here.”

Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Donald Hall praised the Class of 2025 for the intellectual curiosity, work ethic and sense of humor they brought to their time at ˿����Ƶ.

“Remember to define your value to prospective employers,” Hall said. “Show them that you know how to solve problems, that you learned to be a leader at ˿����Ƶ – and that you are a good communicator. These are all skills that come from your foundation in the liberal arts, and I can’t say enough about them. These skills will serve you well in whatever endeavors you undertake.”

Own less, travel more

Stenger and Hall introduced the honorary Doctor of Laws recipient, Amy J. Hyatt ’78. Hyatt is an American diplomat with more than 30 years of foreign service officer experience and eight high-profile overseas postings, including deputy chief of mission in Helsinki, Finland; management counselor in Cairo, Egypt; and consul general in Melbourne, Australia. Hyatt is also a member of the Board of Directors of the ˿����Ƶ University Alumni Association and sits on the ˿����Ƶ University Human Rights Institute’s External Advisory Board. Hall praised her resilience and dedication to service and called her an advocate for peace and cooperation worldwide.

In her Commencement address, the retired ambassador recalled the excitement of her own graduation and encouraged graduates to apply the knowledge and training gained at ˿����Ƶ to become leaders in their fields. She encouraged them to make a plan and pursue goals, but always to be flexible. She explained that personal and career growth opportunities emerge in those unexpected moments of change.

“A good leader needs to evolve and grow,” Hyatt said. “So, keep learning your whole life; don’t grow stagnant.”

She also encouraged travel as a means of lifelong learning.

“See as much of the world as you can,” Hyatt said. “Spend your money on experiences, not possessions. Don’t burden your life with junk; it will own you, rather than the other way around. Instead, travel! You will be changed by the experience. You will learn about different cultures, how people live, the way they think, their fears and hopes, and in the process, you will end up learning much about yourself.”

The ceremony celebrated more than 250 bachelor’s and master’s degree recipients and featured graduate and undergraduate speakers, who delivered addresses that touched on themes of responsibility, honor, aspiration and hope.

Afghan refugee dedicates degree to girls in her home country

Master of Science in Human Rights graduate speaker Shahdukht Tapesh set out to achieve something denied to most women and girls in Afghanistan: an education. After completing an undergraduate degree at the American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan, Tapesh was awarded the Qatar Scholarship for Afghans Project (QSAP). This program enables Afghan refugee students to pursue higher education in the United States.

Tapesh recognizes the opportunities she has been given, which many others do not have, and she does not take her good fortune for granted. She helped organize a group of ˿����Ƶ University students who symbolically dedicated their degrees when they walked across the stage to girls in Afghanistan who cannot attend school.

“Education is more than a degree; it is a duty,” Tapesh said in her Commencement address. “A duty to question injustice, challenge exclusion and advocate for those whose voices are silenced. As graduates in the fields of human rights, social work and the humanities, we do not have the luxury of indifference.”

Undergraduate speaker finds purpose in adversity

When Stephanie Sandleitner received her Bachelor of Social Work degree, one person was notably absent: her father. He passed away unexpectedly almost a decade ago on the University campus during her sister’s Admitted Student Day event, she remembered. However, what began as a painful association transformed into a source of resilience and hope, as her father’s memory became a guiding influence in her pursuit of her degree.

“My father has always been my greatest motivator, instilling in me a deep respect for education and the belief that knowledge opens endless possibilities,” she said.

Sandleitner delivered an inspiring message to her BSW cohort and fellow CCPA graduates, encouraging them to take action regardless of obstacles. She described them as the “framework of the future,” shaped by challenges and their commitment to keep moving forward.

“As we graduate today, we are stepping into a world that needs our compassion, creativity and determination more than ever,” she said. “We may not be able to fix everything, but we can contribute in ways that matter— to our communities, our loved ones and the causes we care most about. Small actions can create ripples of change.”