Southern Connecticut State University honored the achievements, resilience, and dreams of the Class of 2025 during its undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies held on May 22 at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Conn.
The back-to-back celebrations brought together more than 2,000 students, their families, faculty, and community members to mark a momentous milestone in their academic journeys.
Commencement featured motivational keynote addresses from Marissa Bode, actress and disability rights advocate, and Dr. Miguel Cardona, former U.S. Secretary of Education and Connecticut native.
In the morning undergraduate ceremony, Bode shared her personal journey from a young girl with big dreams to breaking barriers on one of the world’s most iconic stages. She made her film debut as Nessarose in Wicked, becoming the first wheelchair user to portray the character. Bode reminded graduates that their paths are theirs to shape — and that their identities are sources of strength, not limitations.
“It is okay to not have absolutely everything figured out. Some things really do take time… Please: give yourself grace. We are not robots,” said Bode. “Do not expect yourself to operate as one,” she told graduates. “There’s beauty in ‘what’s next.’ What a privilege it is to exist in this moment and share all that you are with the world.”
Later that day, Cardona took the stage for the graduate commencement. Reflecting on his journey from a Meriden fourth-grade classroom to leading the U.S. Department of Education, he delivered a passionate message about equity, service, and staying rooted in community.
“Other people’s testimonies about you are more important than the titles after your name or the letters after your name,” Cardona said. “And, as you add fancy letters after your name, remember that your impact on the people you serve will be what you’re remembered for.”
Interim President Dwayne Smith presided over both ceremonies, offering gratitude to students and families and charging the graduates with a call to action.
“Your education is not a piece of paper—it is a force. A tool for change,” said Smith. “Southern has given you more than credentials. It has given you the capacity to shape the future.”
He closed with a message of unity and support: “Speak boldly, walk proudly, dare to make a difference — and always remember: you’ll never walk alone.”
Senior Class President Rhian Alsgaard, ’25, delivered a moving speech about the perseverance of her peers, many of whom entered college in the midst of a pandemic and left with newfound strength and clarity.
“Southern gave us the chance to be authentically ourselves, to meet others who became our family, overcome adversity, and achieve our goals,” Alsgaard said. “We show up, we speak up, and we build community. That’s what makes us unique — and that’s the kind of person Southern shapes.”
Undergraduate Commencement Photo Gallery (please check back, as images will continue to be added)
See the Senior Online Celebration, a full video of the undergraduate ceremony, and the event program
View a full video of the graduate ceremony
Related News Coverage:
New Haven Register – “Wicked” actress addresses Southern Connecticut State University Class of 2025
WSHU Public Radio – Cardona delivers Hamilton-inspired speech to Southern graduates
