Celebrating the Bright Futures: Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony Highlights

The University of Notre Dame held its 180th Commencement Ceremony recently at Notre Dame Stadium, celebrating a significant milestone. Around 20,000 guests, including family, friends, and faculty, attended the event where 2,084 undergraduate degrees were awarded, contributing to a total of 3,099 degrees conferred over the graduation weekend.

Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., who became president last year, presided over the ceremony. He, along with Provost John McGreevy, welcomed the audience and introduced the speakers. Notably, Adm. Christopher Grady, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, received an honorary degree and served as the principal speaker.

Several other honorary degrees were awarded, including to Dr. Rafat Ansari, an oncologist in South Bend, and David Brooks, a well-known author and commentator. One honoree, Sister Raffaella Petrini, chose to defer her degree until May 2026 due to the recent passing of Pope Francis.

The graduating class heard heartfelt speeches. Salutatorian Bennett Schmitt, who is majoring in environmental sciences, expressed gratitude and called upon his classmates to be forces for good in a challenging world.

Valedictorian Clare Cullinan, who studied global affairs, shared her experiences at Notre Dame, reflecting on the strong community support in her times of need. She emphasized that the university’s values inspire graduates to create meaningful connections beyond their campus.

Adm. Grady, humorously connecting his past with the graduates, discussed the importance of humility and continual self-improvement. He shared lessons learned from his time in the Navy, urging graduates to face the complexities of the world head-on.

Kerry Alys Robinson, CEO of Catholic Charities USA, spoke about the power of community and kindness. She highlighted the need for genuine human connections in an increasingly divided world and encouraged students to pursue lives of service.

The event concluded with a blessing from Rev. Canon Hugh R. Page Jr. and a performance of traditional songs, including “Notre Dame, Our Mother.” President Dowd expressed gratitude for the support from prior university leaders and reminded the graduates of their responsibility to educate themselves holistically—through mind, heart, and action.

As the ceremony wrapped up, it was clear that the spirit of community and service, central to Notre Dame, was passed down to the Class of 2025, inviting them to take on the world with purpose and compassion.



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