Despite a rainy weekend, Lasell University honored the achievements of the Class of 2025 during its annual Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10. 

Rachel Sanchez, a Master of Education: Moderate Disabilities recipient, delivered the student address at Friday’s Graduate Commencement ceremony.  

Keynote speaker Callie Crossley, an award-winning journalist and documentarian, followed with a keynote speech. Crossley spoke about the importance of adaptability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, encouraging graduates to remain resilient as they navigate change.  

Saturday’s Undergraduate Commencement featured a student address from Ryan Ruane, recipient of a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. Following his remarks, President Eric Turner presented the 2025 Thomas E.J. de Witt Awards for Excellence in Educational Leadership.  

This year’s Faculty Award was presented to Professor of Communication Brian Wardyga. A longtime advisor to radio station WLAS, Wardyga has led the student-run station for more than two decades and has earned national recognition from the Broadcast Education Association and the Textbook & Academic Authors Association.  

The Staff Award was presented to Sharon Harrington-Hope, Director of the Counseling Center, in recognition of her unwavering commitment to student mental health. Harrington-Hope has been instrumental in fostering a supportive environment on campus, especially throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.   

Lasell alumna Nancy Castle Donahue ‘78 delivered the Undergraduate Commencement keynote. In her address, Donahue shared a message of perseverance and encouraged graduates to embrace uncertainty as an opportunity for growth. 

As the class of 2025 enters the next chapter of their lives, they join a community of Lasell alumni committed to leadership and forever-forward thinking.