2025 Commencement Ceremonies Honor Graduates and Celebrate the Westfield State Community

Westfield State University closed the 2024-2025 academic year with the annual Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement ceremonies at the MassMutual Center in Springfield on Friday, May 16. 675 undergraduate students and over 230 graduate students participated in the ceremony which marked the successful completion of their studies at the University. 

The Undergraduate Commencement featured Quinton Lucas, Mayor of Kansas City, as the keynote speaker. Lucas serves as the youngest person elected to the Mayoral office since 1855 and has previously worked as a private practice lawyer, city council member, community leader, and lecturer at Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. In addition, he serves as the national chair for criminal justice efforts in the United States Conference of Mayors and as an advocate to reduce gun violence, serves as co-chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns. 

Lucas was also presented with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in recognition of his leadership and altruism in the service of social justice, democracy, and community support.

An additional honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters was presented to Shannon A. Brown, CEO of ActionLogics, an innovative 

software company, and longtime executive from FedEx in Memphis, TN. Brown spoke at the Graduate Commencement ceremony and was recognized for his years of mentoring others, support for higher education, lifelong learning, and community service. Brown began his career at FedEx as a package handler and rose through the ranks, advancing steadily as a result of his hard work, determination, and personal excellence.

At both ceremonies, speakers encouraged graduates to take the lessons they learned from Westfield State into the world to achieve great things and give back to others.

Shaikh Mirza Yawar Baig encouraged the graduates that as they were “poised to enter a very significant phase of your lives, I remind you that education is for life. … You are the hope of those who came before you, gave birth to you and invested in you. You are the hope of those yet unborn but who need a world in which they have a fighting chance to succeed. You are that generation. You are hope itself.”

President Linda Thompson acknowledged her special relationship with the Class of 2025 as she began her time at Westfield State at their arrival. She encouraged them to pursue opportunities to become leaders in their careers and communities, and not just any kind of leaders but those who exhibit selflessness, kindness, empathy, and compassion. “Effective leadership requires the ability to understand the complexities of competing perspectives, to respect the ideas of those who might challenge you,” she remarked. “Understanding, appreciating, and respecting our differences drives us closer as human beings. It creates a stronger sense of humanity.”

Chair of the Board of Trustees Ali Salehi shared similar sentiments about the importance of the connections built throughout the Westfield State community. “As your journey takes you away from campus, you will have a wealth of perspective and knowledge that you will have for the rest of your lives. Material possessions come and go, but nobody can ever remove the experiences, the friendships, the challenges, the accomplishments, and the solid foundational knowledge that is the result of experiencing life on a college campus. … Yes, a college education may offer more opportunities to prosper financially, but a solid, foundational, liberal arts education provides inspiration, drive, and determination to elevate the human spirit.”

Class President Nicholas Palumbo reflected on the theme of “Enter to learn, Exit to lead,” offering the class three challenges. “First, I challenge you to make the most of every opportunity. … Take the initiative and seize the opportunities you have.”  He continued, “My second challenge is to step out of your comfort zone.” He reminded graduates of the challenges they’d conquered during their time at Westfield State and how much they grew from facing uncomfortable challenges. He concluded by challenging the class “to continue to build your community. Build your network of people to support you, but also challenge you to be the best version of yourself and continue learning.”

Westfield State University Alumni Association President Colleen Murphy Clifton also emphasized the importance of community as she welcomed the graduates into the Alumni Association. She encouraged them to get involved with the association and join the over 50,000 alumni around the world. “You will find the Westfield State alumni network is vast, not to mention passionate, and you may be surprised by how often you meet a fellow alum, sometimes in the most unlikely of places. Today, you are graduating from Westfield State University, but know that Westfield will always be home and you will always be an Owl.”

During the Graduate Commencement ceremony, the University announced the 2025 recipient of the John F. Nevins Outstanding Educator Award, named after one of the University’s consummate educators, having served as Professor of Education, Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Interim President. The selection committee of academic leaders and students chose Dr. Joseph Camilleri of the Department of Psychology from a number of highly qualified nominations. 

Dr. Camilleri has been with the University since 2008 and was honored for the qualities of leadership and commitment to students that Dr. Nevins valued. According to the student who nominated him for the award, “Dr. Camilleri inspires his class with passion and support. … He works hard and encourages us to work hard as well. When we are unsure of ourselves, he makes sure to guide us to confidence and success. He has inspired passion and interest in each of us.”

In preparation for the presentation of academic hoods for graduate students, Provost William Salka explained to the audience that

 “Today’s academic hood has its origin in the clerical attire worn by medieval scholars. It continues to signify achievement, success in your academic program, a milestone in your life, and a place among the educated.” Similarly, the 2025 Commencement ceremonies of Westfield State University marked a milestone for the graduates, their families and champions, and the faculty and staff who supported, encouraged, challenged, and inspired them as their path towards the next stage in their lives.

Videos of both ceremonies can be watched online. Additionally, photo galleries are available online for the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies.