On Saturday, May 17, 2025, students received their master’s degrees and hoods during ceremonies for the college’s two graduate programs - the Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) with licensure in special education and Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
“This ceremony feels special because it’s not just about receiving a degree — it’s about celebrating with the people who helped us get here,” reflected Christopher Hogan ’24 M’25 at the beginning of the ceremony.
The four Master of Education graduates, their families, and faculty members gathered in the president’s dining room for their hooding ceremony. Hogan and Benson Furber ’24 M’25 spoke at the event.
“Over the past year, we’ve wrestled with research questions, navigated complex ideas, juggled work and life, and learned to keep going even when imposter syndrome whispered in our ears,” said Furber. “And yet—here we are. Not because the path was smooth, but because we found strength, support, and purpose along the way.”
The M.Ed. program began in fall 2022 and was designed to prepare educators to meet the needs of students with disabilities in multiple settings and the needs of all learners in the classroom.
“I want to congratulate you for all that you’ve both accomplished during this year,” said Prof. Kelly Demers, Ph.D., education department chair. “You are all bright, highly-talented and committed teachers who will benefit every learner you encounter.”
Meanwhile, in the Dana Center, 15 students in the Criminal Justice master’s degree program attended their hooding ceremony with families, friends, and members of the department.
“Even in the face of uncertainty, I’m excited to see where this next chapter leads each and every one of us in this distinguished graduating class,” said Zachary Farnum ’23 M’25 in his opening reflection. “The future is bright —but as we move forward, let’s never forget where we came from: the roots we planted here on the Hilltop.”
Jada Burdier ’24 M’25 and Zach Farnum each received the Outstanding Graduate Student Award. Emily Donovan ’24 M’25 and Trie Yale ’24 M’25 gave the student address.
“We made it through the papers, the presentations, and the tedious table creations, but most importantly, we accomplished something that we will never forget and never stop being thankful for,” concluded Donovan.
The hooding ceremonies took place prior to the 132nd Commencement Exercises on the Alumni Quadrangle later that morning where 507 students earned their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Carlos Lozada addressed the class of 2025.
Photos: Master's in Criminology and Criminal Justice Hooding Ceremony →