Convocation Program
Browse ceremony details, graduate recognition, and other important information as we celebrate this special occasion.
Order of Exercises Candidates for Degrees Student Award Winners
Order of Exercises
PROCESSIONAL
Pomp and Circumstance
ORDER OF MARCH
DEAN
Dr. Haresh Gurnani, Dean, College of Business
DISTINGUISHED GUEST SPEAKER
Anant Yardi, Founder and CEO, Yardi Systems
MEMBER, DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD
Mark J. Snyder, Managing Partner, Snyder Wealth Group
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
College of Business Dean’s Advisory Board
College of Business Executives-in-Residence
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Dr. Margaret Echelbarger, Assistant Professor, Marketing
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS FACULTY
Led By:
Dr. Julia Bear, Associate Dean for Research
Dr. Danling Jiang, Associate Dean for Programs
MASTER’S CANDIDATES
Led By:
GRADUATE MARSHAL
Dr. Gary Sherman, Co-Director, MBA Program
BACHELOR’S CANDIDATES
Led By:
UNDERGRADUATE MARSHAL
Dr. Christie Comunale, Director of Professional Outreach, Accounting
OPENING OF CEREMONY
Dr. Margaret Echelbarger, Assistant Professor, Marketing
NATIONAL ANTHEM
DEAN’S ADDRESS
Dr. Haresh Gurnani, Dean, College of Business
DISTINGUISHED GUEST SPEAKER
Anant Yardi, Founder and CEO, Yardi Systems
PRESENTATION OF DEAN’S CHOICE AWARD
Mark J. Snyder, Managing Partner, Snyder Wealth Group
STUDENT SPEAKER
Karisma Persad, Bachelor of Science in Business Management
Specializations in Finance and Operations Management; Minor in Information Systems
PRESENTATION OF FACULTY AWARDS
Dr. Haresh Gurnani, Dean, College of Business
Presented To:
Dr. Christie Comunale - Outstanding Undergraduate Instructor
Dr. Gary Sherman - Outstanding Graduate Instructor
PRESENTATION OF MASTER’S CANDIDATES
Jessica Feliz, Director, International Graduate Programs
Dr. Gary Sherman , Co-Director, MBA Program
PRESENTATION OF BACHELOR’S CANDIDATES
Camille Abbruscato, Lecturer, Marketing
Dr. Denise Buhrau, Co-Director, Undergraduate Programs
Michael Carr, Adjunct Instructor, Management
Dr. Mohammad Delasay, Co-Director, Undergraduate Programs
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Dr. Haresh Gurnani, Dean, College of Business
Dr. Julia Bear, Associate Dean for Research
Dr. Danling Jiang, Associate Dean for Programs
RECESSIONAL
Candidates for Degrees
BACCALAUREATE
ADVANCED DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS
Master of Business Administration
Please note: This program includes candidates who have or will have fulfilled all requirements for graduation as of May, June, July, August, and Fall 2025. This listing reflects students who applied for graduation as of May 1, 2025.
College of Business Convocation Guest Speaker
Anant Yardi, CEO & Founder of Yardi Systems
In 1982, Anant Yardi recognized the need for an integrated accounting and property management software for the residential marketplace. As the director of systems development for Burroughs Corporation (now Unisys) and with 14 years of programming experience, he knew he had the background to design such a product. In 1984, “Basic Property Management” was created for the Apple II computer. Since that time, Anant has directed the company through over 35 years of steady growth, remaining the President and CEO as Yardi became a leader in real estate asset and property management solutions.
Anant’s vision is the driving force behind the development of effective and innovative software solutions for global real estate portfolio management. He has been recognized as one of the early pioneers in the commercial real estate automation industry, a “visionary in respect to automation systems and the resultant benefits in property operations,” according to Realcomm, when they honored him with the 2004 “Digie” award. He was inducted into the Multi-Housing News “Hall of Fame” that same year, and his company continues to receive industry accolades.
Anant has an M.S. in Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley, and B.Tech from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. He worked for 14 years developing programming methodologies and directing systems development at Burroughs Corporation prior to establishing Yardi Systems.
College of Business Convocation Student Speaker
Karisma Persad, Bachelor of Science in Business Management with Specializations in Finance and Operations Management, Minor in Information Systems
Karisma Persad is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with specializations in Finance and Operations Management, and a minor in Information Systems. She is passionate about empowering her community and streamlining operations through technology and innovation. Over the past four years, Karisma has been intentional about developing both personally and professionally. It is with excitement and gratitude that she enters this next chapter of life, hoping to make a meaningful impact, continue growing, and pursuing work that aligns with passion and purpose.
Navigating Convocation Information
Everything you need to know for the big day - right at your fingertips. Explore the details below to make your convocation experience smooth, memorable, and stress-free.
