Commencement 2025

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Graduates celebrating during Commencement weekend

Over 500 Ravens of the Class of 2025 crossed the stage to applause from family, friends, and faculty on Saturday, May 17. Scroll to see photos, videos and more from Benedictine College’s Commencement Weekend.

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Champagne Brunch

A longstanding and beloved tradition, the Senior Champagne Brunch takes place the day before Commencement and is a time for graduates to celebrate the important milestone they have reached in their lives. At this year’s brunch, graduates heard from Hannah Thomazin ’20, who was the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Young Alumni award.

President Minnis at the Champagne Brunch with Hannah Thomazin ’20, who was the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Young Alumni award.
Graduates pose at the Champagne Brunch
Graduates attending the Champagne Brunch
A graduate receives his honor cord at the Champagne Brunch
A graduate with her honor cord at the Champagne Brunch

Champagne Brunch Photos

March of Light

Graduates gather around the ‘B’ for a group photo, then process up the Raven Walk to place a candle in Mary’s Grotto, before finally processing into the Abbey Church for the Baccalaureate Mass.

Graduates process up the Raven Walk during the March of Light
The March of Light procession on the Raven Walk
Graduates during the March of Light
A graduate places a candle in Mary's Grotto during the March of Light
Graduates exiting Mary's Grotto during the March of Light

March of Light Photos

Baccalaureate Mass

Graduates join their professors and other members of the college community in the celebration of the Baccalaureate Mass, at which the intentions of all graduates are offered in prayer. Archbishop Joseph Naumann was the primary celebrant and delivered the homily at this year’s Mass.

The entrance procession at Baccalaureate Mass
The Consecration during Baccalaureate Mass
Students praying at Baccalaureate Mass
Archbishop Naumann processes out of Baccalaureate Mass
The exit procession at Baccalaureate Mass

Archbishop Joseph Naumann

Baccalaureate Mass Homily

The Ceremony

Caps and gowns are donned, the time has come, and graduates process across campus into Ralph Nolan Gymnasium to begin the Commencement Exercises, watched by joyful family and friends.

Graduates process across campus to the Commencement ceremony
Graduates pose with Rocky the Raven before the Commencement ceremony
A graduate poses with President Minnis during the Commencement ceremony
Graduates in the Commencement ceremony
A graduate after receiving her diploma at the Commencement ceremony

Line-up & Ceremony Photos

Valedictorians

During the ceremony, we celebrated the academic excellence exemplified by five members of the new Class of 2025.

Valedictorian Speeches

Honorary Degrees

Benedictine College was proud to welcome Sister Deirdre “Dede” Byrne, POSC, as our 2025 Commencement Speaker. Before delivering the Commencement Address to our graduates, Sister Dede received the Doctorate of Humane Letters. In addition, Benedictine College awarded Honorary Degrees to Denise Burke, Kellie M. Fiedorek and Erin M. Hawley.

Denise Burke
Denise Burke, Sister Deirdre Byrne, POSC, Kellie M. Fiedorek, and President Minnis
Kellie M. Fiedorek and President Minnis
Sister Deirdre Byrne, POSC, speaks at the 2025 Commencement ceremony
Sister Deirdre Byrne, POSC, holds her Doctorate of Humane Letters award, flanked by President Stephen Minnis and Chairman of the Board Mike Kuckelman

Sister Deirdre Byrne, POSC

Commencement Address

Celebrations

Congratulations to the Benedictine College Class of 2025! Once a Raven, Always a Raven.

Graduates pose for a photo with family after Commencement
Graduates pose for a photo with Rocky the Raven after Commencement
Graduates celebrate with their families in Raven Memorial Park
Graduates pose for a photo after Commencement
A graduate poses for a photo with family after Commencement

Celebration Photos

Gifts and More

Diploma Frames and More

Class Rings

Benedictine College Bible

See Diploma Translation