Seton Hall University Celebrates the Class of 2025: A Journey of Resilience and Service
May 23, 2025, 11:20 am
Seton Hall University, a beacon of Catholic education, recently celebrated its 169th Baccalaureate Commencement. The event, held on May 19, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, marked a significant milestone for 2,201 graduates. Among them were 1,380 undergraduates and 821 students who earned advanced degrees. The ceremony was a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, service, and hope.
The atmosphere was electric. Dressed in Pirate blue, graduates filled the arena, their faces a mix of excitement and nostalgia. The day began with a traditional pipe band procession, honoring the university's Scottish roots. The sound of bagpipes echoed, setting the stage for a celebration steeped in history and tradition.
Katia Passerini, Ph.D., the outgoing provost, delivered the keynote address. Her words were a compass for the graduates, guiding them toward a future filled with purpose. She emphasized the importance of integrity and service, urging graduates to integrate knowledge with compassion. Her message resonated deeply, reminding everyone that education is not just about personal achievement but about uplifting others.
Erin E. Barno, the valedictorian, echoed this sentiment in her address. A double major in Chemistry and Religion, Barno painted a vivid picture of the collective journey of the Class of 2025. She spoke of community, diversity, and the strength found in shared experiences. Her words were a reminder that every challenge faced during their academic journey was a stepping stone toward resilience.
Monsignor Joseph R. Reilly, the university president, charged the graduates to carry their Seton Hall values into the world. He shared personal anecdotes that highlighted the intertwining of leadership and service. His message was clear: true leadership is rooted in compassion and sacrifice. As he spoke, the graduates listened intently, absorbing the wisdom that would guide them beyond the university gates.
The invocation by Cardinal Joseph Tobin added a spiritual dimension to the ceremony. He prayed for peace in a world often marred by conflict, reminding graduates of their role as agents of change. His words were a call to action, urging the Class of 2025 to be carriers of hope in a tumultuous world.
As the ceremony unfolded, the significance of the moment became palpable. Graduates were not just receiving diplomas; they were stepping into a legacy. A legacy built on the foundation of faith, knowledge, and service. The values instilled at Seton Hall would serve as their guiding stars in the vast universe of possibilities.
The inaugural cohorts of the RISE and B.S. in Interprofessional Health Sciences programs also celebrated their achievements. These programs represent Seton Hall's commitment to inclusivity and excellence. They are a testament to the university's mission of empowering students from diverse backgrounds to succeed.
The event concluded with a heartfelt closing prayer, reminding graduates to be lifelong learners and courageous peacemakers. The singing of the Alma Mater echoed through the arena, a final tribute to the journey they had undertaken together. As the graduates turned their tassels, they were not just marking the end of an era; they were embracing a new beginning.
Seton Hall University stands as a testament to the power of education. It is a place where minds are shaped, and hearts are opened. The Class of 2025 leaves with more than just degrees; they carry with them the spirit of a community that believes in the transformative power of service and leadership.
As they step into the world, these graduates are equipped with the tools to navigate life's challenges. They are ready to make their mark, to lead with integrity, and to serve with compassion. The future is bright for the Class of 2025, and their journey is just beginning.
In a world that often feels divided, Seton Hall graduates are a reminder that unity, resilience, and service can pave the way for a better tomorrow. They are the torchbearers of hope, ready to illuminate the path for others. The legacy of Seton Hall will continue through them, as they strive to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
As they embark on this new chapter, the Class of 2025 carries with them the essence of what it means to be a Seton Hall Pirate: a commitment to excellence, a dedication to service, and a heart full of hope. The world awaits their contributions, and with their education as a foundation, they are poised to create meaningful change.
The atmosphere was electric. Dressed in Pirate blue, graduates filled the arena, their faces a mix of excitement and nostalgia. The day began with a traditional pipe band procession, honoring the university's Scottish roots. The sound of bagpipes echoed, setting the stage for a celebration steeped in history and tradition.
Katia Passerini, Ph.D., the outgoing provost, delivered the keynote address. Her words were a compass for the graduates, guiding them toward a future filled with purpose. She emphasized the importance of integrity and service, urging graduates to integrate knowledge with compassion. Her message resonated deeply, reminding everyone that education is not just about personal achievement but about uplifting others.
Erin E. Barno, the valedictorian, echoed this sentiment in her address. A double major in Chemistry and Religion, Barno painted a vivid picture of the collective journey of the Class of 2025. She spoke of community, diversity, and the strength found in shared experiences. Her words were a reminder that every challenge faced during their academic journey was a stepping stone toward resilience.
Monsignor Joseph R. Reilly, the university president, charged the graduates to carry their Seton Hall values into the world. He shared personal anecdotes that highlighted the intertwining of leadership and service. His message was clear: true leadership is rooted in compassion and sacrifice. As he spoke, the graduates listened intently, absorbing the wisdom that would guide them beyond the university gates.
The invocation by Cardinal Joseph Tobin added a spiritual dimension to the ceremony. He prayed for peace in a world often marred by conflict, reminding graduates of their role as agents of change. His words were a call to action, urging the Class of 2025 to be carriers of hope in a tumultuous world.
As the ceremony unfolded, the significance of the moment became palpable. Graduates were not just receiving diplomas; they were stepping into a legacy. A legacy built on the foundation of faith, knowledge, and service. The values instilled at Seton Hall would serve as their guiding stars in the vast universe of possibilities.
The inaugural cohorts of the RISE and B.S. in Interprofessional Health Sciences programs also celebrated their achievements. These programs represent Seton Hall's commitment to inclusivity and excellence. They are a testament to the university's mission of empowering students from diverse backgrounds to succeed.
The event concluded with a heartfelt closing prayer, reminding graduates to be lifelong learners and courageous peacemakers. The singing of the Alma Mater echoed through the arena, a final tribute to the journey they had undertaken together. As the graduates turned their tassels, they were not just marking the end of an era; they were embracing a new beginning.
Seton Hall University stands as a testament to the power of education. It is a place where minds are shaped, and hearts are opened. The Class of 2025 leaves with more than just degrees; they carry with them the spirit of a community that believes in the transformative power of service and leadership.
As they step into the world, these graduates are equipped with the tools to navigate life's challenges. They are ready to make their mark, to lead with integrity, and to serve with compassion. The future is bright for the Class of 2025, and their journey is just beginning.
In a world that often feels divided, Seton Hall graduates are a reminder that unity, resilience, and service can pave the way for a better tomorrow. They are the torchbearers of hope, ready to illuminate the path for others. The legacy of Seton Hall will continue through them, as they strive to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
As they embark on this new chapter, the Class of 2025 carries with them the essence of what it means to be a Seton Hall Pirate: a commitment to excellence, a dedication to service, and a heart full of hope. The world awaits their contributions, and with their education as a foundation, they are poised to create meaningful change.