Cheers, whistles, and shouts of congratulations overcame the sound of pouring rain May 10th as the University of Southern Maine celebrated its 145th Commencement in Portland’s Cross Insurance Area.
More than 1,100 students crossed the stage to become graduates, following speakers’ advice to keep learning, work hard, and lead a meaningful work life.
“Education is a tool for us to engage with the world around us,” student speaker Maddie Weston told the crowd of more than 7,000 people. “It’s curiosity, critical thinking, and our torch, helping us to see a way forward. But a torch only burns so long by itself. To make the world brighter, the light needs to be shared, so do just that. Share your knowledge. Keep that flame alive, because it’s the best tool we have to keep the dark at bay.”
Weston, a Political Science graduate from the town of Bradley, said their education gives them a power to be safeguarded.
“What you carry out those doors with you today isn’t just wisdom but power,” Weston said. “And power is a threat that the bullies and tyrants of this world will try and take from anyone they can.”
Rear Admiral William E. Leigher USN Ret. — a 1980 USM graduate who was honored as the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus — credited the University with helping him establish the foundation of a career that led him to become a national leader in intelligence, cryptologic warfare and cyber operations.
“I learned about self-sufficiency, perseverance and the value of hard work,” Leigher said. “USM helped me develop resilience, empathy, and a commitment to excellence. And I learned about integrity and courage, the essential building blocks of leadership.”
To University President Jacqueline Edmondson, each graduate is needed by our society.
“You’re graduating into a divided world, and you’re exactly what our world needs,” Edmondson said. “You have done the hard work on our campus: listening, debating, compromising, and reaching across differences. Carry these skills with you.”
Choosing the right role in the world is worth all of the work, implored Lisa Marchese Eames, a member of the University of Maine System Board of Trustees.
“I promise you that when you are passionate about what you do, it won’t feel like a job or work,” Eames said. “It will be doing something you love and your career will fall into place. I was fortunate to find my passion in my first job. I encourage you to search until you find a job you are passionate about. Don’t settle for a paycheck.”