This speech was presented by USM President Jacqueline Edmondson at the University’s 145th Commencement on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
Today is a momentous occasion. Today, the accomplished degree candidates before me and all of us gathered here face a new beginning.
We come here filled with joy and excitement, mixed with a range of emotions that reflect the experiences you have had over the past number of years as you completed the requirements for your degree.
And here you are. You pursued your educational goals and you were unwavering in your hope for a new and better future, and today you have earned your degree.
As your president, I want you to know how very proud I am of each of you, and I celebrate you. Your presence here today proves that there is always hope and pathways through challenges.
Your presence here is a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and education is not just noble, it is fundamental to our lives and our futures.
Higher education is essential to a healthy democracy. It’s where we prepare global citizens — not just for careers, but for life.
You are able to think critically, engage across differences, and contribute to the communities we share as a result of your education and experiences in college. Higher education has fueled American progress — driving innovation, leadership, and civic life. Beyond job training, colleges prepare people to strengthen our democracy and help solve the challenges facing our nation.
You’re graduating into a divided world — and you’re exactly what our world needs. You have done the hard work on our campus: listening, debating, compromising, and reaching across differences. Carry these skills with you.
And continue to learn well into the future knowing that the only constant we have is change.
I wish you the very best as you embark on this new beginning.
Thank you.