Despite the rain, spirits and smiles were bright upon the hill last Thursday and Friday, where the commencement ceremonies for the Wagner College Class of 2025 proceeded with much enthusiasm.
Nearly 500 well-deserved degrees were awarded overall, with 334 bachelor's and 150 graduate degrees and certificates.
In his opening remarks, his first as president of Wagner, Jeffrey Doggett took a moment to reflect on how momentous this occasion was, not just for the graduates but for the communities that inspired them to dream and achieve their goals.
“Each of you should rejoice in the hard work, the glory, and dedication you have shown to yourself and others to reach this day,” he said. “I hope you all take a moment today to appreciate how much has been done to get you here, the enormous efforts of our faculty and staff, your parents and loved ones. Without each of them… what we celebrate today would not be possible.”
Nimra Rizvi M’25, as the graduate student speaker, spoke to the importance of community and perseverance, thanking her student teaching cohort and teachers who helped guide her on her academic journey.
“We’ve all faced challenges, but discussing them together has been invaluable. Struggles aren’t setbacks; they’re part of the learning process,” Rizvi said. “I always told myself, ‘If I want to do something, I am in the best place in the world to do it.’ And I was right. Thank you, Wagner!”
Rizvi’s words resonated deeply with her fellow graduates, who met her words with excited applause.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the well-deserved Graduate Awards. Students were awarded for their academic achievements and campus contributions.
The excitement continued into Friday’s ceremony. President Doggett kicked off the ceremony with pride.
“Today’s ceremony celebrates your preparation, your education, and your development of character that will serve you well wherever your journey will lead,” Doggett stated. “I am proud to see what you have accomplished here at Wagner, and I am eager to learn what you will accomplish in the next chapter of your lives.”
Zachary Gorman ’25 was the undergraduate speaker. The business administration major spoke on how attending Wagner helped not only himself but his fellow classmates learn to be themselves, and that they always had one another to depend on.
“During my time here, I learned an important lesson: you can’t do it alone, and you can’t be afraid to be yourself. People envy those who are unapologetically themselves — because we all wish we had that same courage. None of us are perfect; I’m certainly not. But I do know—I am tenacious. I will get up every day and try to be the best version of myself. And so I ask you all to do the same.”
Commencement speaker Bishop Paul Egensteiner ’79 continued this theme, speaking to how momentous this moment was. While next steps might be unsure and maybe a little overwhelming, the graduating Class of 2025 had the best tool to move forward: themselves.
“You have what is necessary and vital for the next step. You. Some of you may have a hard time believing that’s enough. But you leave this place, very soon to be your alma mater, with the only meaningful possession you brought here four or so years ago: yourself. Smarter. More experienced. Equipped. And still you.”
Egensteiner, a college trustee, was presented an honorary doctorate at the undergraduate ceremony. Former trustee Andrew Cortese ‘72 was honored with a doctorate at the graduate student ceremony.
