St. John’s University Honors the Class of 2025 at Its 155th Commencement Ceremony – Join the Celebration!

On May 18, 2025, St. John’s University celebrated the graduation of over 2,100 students in a ceremony filled with joy and pride. Family, friends, and faculty gathered on the beautiful Great Lawn in Queens, NY, to honor the Class of 2025. This year marked the university’s 155th Undergraduate Commencement Exercise, which recognized graduates from both the Queens and Manhattan campuses, as well as those who completed their degrees online.

James McCann, the chairman of 1-800-Flowers.com, was the keynote speaker. He emphasized the importance of self-belief, urging graduates to envision their potential and impact on the world. McCann spoke about his journey from starting a small flower shop in New York to building a thriving multi-million dollar business, highlighting the innovative steps he took along the way.

Graduates were also celebrated for their diverse backgrounds. The Class of 2025 includes students from 41 countries, with 56% of them being women. Notably, 67 graduates participated in athletics, and 40 are veterans. This data not only shows the diversity within the class but also reflects a broader trend in higher education, where institutions increasingly value inclusivity.

Kathleen Meehan, one of the honorary degree recipients, contributed to women’s sports development at St. John’s and the BIG EAST Conference. Her story, along with others like Lewis Rice, a former DEA agent now leading security for Estée Lauder, and Msgr. James Kelly, underscores the impactful careers cultivated at the university.

Recent surveys indicate that employers favor graduates who possess both academic knowledge and practical experience, a balance that St. John’s nurtures. This aligns with the university’s mission to prepare students to serve their communities.

President Rev. Brian J. Shanley encouraged graduates to lead with gratitude and service, embodying the university’s values. Student speaker Steiner Williams shared how their time at St. John’s shaped them into leaders ready to make a difference in the world.

The Class of 2025 now joins over 200,000 living alumni from St. John’s, contributing to a global network of professionals. As they step into new challenges, their experiences at St. John’s will continue to shape their journeys.

For more information about St. John’s University, visit their official website.

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