Congratulations to the Class of 2025 from President McCormick
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
It is an honor to be celebrating your Commencement this afternoon, on this day, at the end of the first quarter of the twenty-first century, as you prepare to start the next exciting chapter in your lives! In many ways, one could not ask for a more monumental time to graduate from Stony Brook University.
As alumni of this tremendous institution — revered across the globe for its innovation, collaboration, commitment to service, and expansive worldview — you will be tasked with continuing the progress of the generations before you. You will be able to build upon the leadership of today and create even better plans for tomorrow. You will inherit so many of this society’s best qualities — its art, its creativity, its discoveries, its open communication, and its innovation — but you will also inherit its challenges, too.
That is the responsibility of being some of the brightest minds of your generation. It is a weighty one. But it has been a true privilege getting to know this class during my past year as interim president. I am confident that you are up to the task. You are tenacious, collaborative, confident, unique and kind. And importantly, you have the support of the friends, family and mentors — near and far — who have been cheering you on the whole way.
That is perhaps the most distinct quality of this class, and of Stony Brook in general: its innate understanding that community is essential to vitality. The Class of 2025 knows that putting down deep roots actually enables you to fly higher. This is a kind of wisdom that feels both modern and ancient; it is the kind of wisdom that our society needs right now.
Stony Brook University — and its network of more than 224,000 alumni worldwide — is incredibly proud of your accomplishments. We are here for you whenever you need us, and we hope you will stay connected to this special family. We cannot wait to witness your inevitable successes and see the kind of leaders you become. Thank you for all you have done for Stony Brook!
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Richard L. McCormick
Interim President