By Jefferson Geiger
Wagner College’s 2024 Commencement marked the end of graduates’, undergraduates’, and even President Angelo Araimo’s time on Grymes Hill. The two ceremonies, held Thursday, May 16, and Friday, May 17, had a total of 542 total graduates, with 377 bachelor's degrees and 152 master's degrees conferred at Sutter Oval. Despite cloudy skies and cooler temperatures, the mood was bright and warm.
The ceremonies also signaled a new beginning for the students walking home with diplomas in hand. Araimo began Thursday’s graduate ceremony by explaining that the graduates are now part of an elite group, with fewer than one out of eight adults in America having a graduate degree. However, that status comes with the responsibility to carry on the belief in facts and reason.
“Science is what lights the way,” Araimo said. “You are going to be called upon, and I know you will light the way.”
Victoria Vega ’18, M’24, as the graduate student speaker, shared a heartfelt and emotional message about perseverance and community while holding back tears of happiness.
“As I stand on the brink of transitioning from academia to advanced practice, I know that I am not just a graduate with a nursing degree; I am a compassionate, skilled health care professional ready to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities,” Vega said. “And that is because of Wagner College.”
Vega’s speech resonated deeply with her peers, who applauded enthusiastically. It spoke to the tight-knit community the graduating class had formed during their time together.
Dr. Kathleen Ahern, the commencement speaker for the graduate ceremony, is familiar with what it takes to be a nurse. She is the director of Graduate Nursing and helped found Wagner’s Doctor of Nursing Program. Ahern shared three life lessons about doing one’s best, commitment and finding happiness.
“Often, our lack of success in these roles is really related to a lack of commitment,” Ahern said.
President Araimo kicked off the undergraduate ceremony the following day with words of positivity.
“This is one of the most spirited and enthusiastic classes I have ever seen in my 30 years here,” he said.
He also shared the advice to never stop learning and to keep one’s sense of humor.
“I want you to continue to be the positive, optimistic people you are because you’re the future. You’re the change we need here. Remember to visit often; I will, too, and I’m proud to be part of the Class of 2024,” Araimo said.
Valerie Guan ’24 was the undergraduate student speaker. The accounting major focused on themes of growth and the quality of education Wagner provides.
“Freshman year me would never, in a million years, imagine she would be standing here,
on stage, speaking in front of all of you,” Guan said. “And I owe everything to the Wagner community for supporting me along the journey of transcending my comfort zone.
The same feelings I had when I first stepped foot onto this beautiful campus are the same feelings I have when I think about what comes next after I graduate. Only this time, I have slightly less apprehension since I’m equipped with a robust and supportive network and an extensive toolkit of knowledge and skills.”
Commencement speaker Michael Tadross ’72 then took to the stage to speak about role models and alumni. Yet Tadross — a movie producer who has worked on more than 55 films — said you don’t have to go to Hollywood or Wall Street to be successful.
“It’s your turn to pursue your dreams no matter what they are,” Tadross said. My advice to the Wagner College Class of 2024 is to spend every day doing something you love. It sounds impossible, but it’s not. And you’ll never feel like you’re going to work; you'll just enjoy life.”
The ceremony was a testament to the supportive community at Wagner College. Graduates, adorned in their caps and gowns, were celebrated not just for their academic achievements but for their perseverance and the lifelong connections they made. Hours after the ceremonies concluded, sincere goodbyes and last-minute photoshoots from the now-graduated class took place across campus, from Main Hall to Forchelli Terrace.
“We’re sad that they’re leaving, but we are especially looking forward to what they’ll do once they leave Wagner,” Dean of Campus Life Ange Concepcion said.
Jenn Fanelli contributed to this report.
