In a day filled with celebration, reflection, and inspiration, more than 3,000 University of Miami undergraduates received their degrees on May 9 during three ceremonies at the Watsco Center on campus, where three distinguished alumni offered words of wisdom to the centennial class.
“You’ll face twists and turns in your career and in your life,” said influential sports attorney Irwin Raij, who opened the morning commencement for the College of Arts and Sciences. “Don’t fear the pivots—they may be the best part of the journey.”
Raij, a Miami Herbert Business School graduate, was joined by Bose Corporation CEO Lila Snyder and former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion Jonathan Vilma, both of whom spoke at the afternoon ceremonies.
Raij’s remarks emphasized resilience, personal growth, and authenticity, drawn from a career that has included work in law, sports, and public service. He candidly shared that his path wasn’t planned, including a last-minute decision to keep his speaking commitment after his daughter faced a health scare just days earlier.
“Nothing mattered except my little girl,” he said. “But in the toughest moments, all you’ve learned comes into focus.”
Snyder, an engineering graduate and now the first female CEO of Bose, encouraged students to align passion with purpose. “You’ll enjoy work a lot more—and likely be much better at it—if you build your career around something you love,” she said.
She also urged students to take risks: “Raise your hand for a new project, explore a new discipline, and stretch yourself. That’s how you grow.”
NFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion Jonathan Vilma.
Vilma, who balanced academic honors with athletic excellence at UM after attending Coral Gables Senior High School, reflected on the high standards set by coaches and professors. “Everybody has a ‘Coach Swasey’ in their life—the person who pushes you to be better,” he said. “They’re the reason you’re here today.”
Now a FOX Sports analyst and trustee since 2017, Vilma praised the university for instilling belief in students and asked the audience to rise and applaud the Class of 2025.
“The credential you’ve earned signals your ability to finish what you started,” said UM President Joe Echevarri.
UM President Joe Echevarria also addressed the graduates, noting how much the world—and their perspectives—had changed since their first year on campus. “The credential you’ve earned signals your ability to finish what you started,” he said.
Personal journeys, lasting bonds
Outside the Watsco Center, students shared their gratitude, anxieties, and hopes for the future.
Tracy Ramos, a first-generation college student who transferred from Miami Dade College, said UM had been his dream since ninth grade. “This is such a big accomplishment,” said Ramos, who studied English and journalism and reported for The Miami Hurricane. “It was even better than I imagined.”
Brielle Distler, who transferred from Wake Forest and majored in psychology and biology, found her community almost immediately. “If I had known how happy I’d be here, I wouldn’t have stressed about the transition,” she said.
Madelyn Ehni, who graduated in just three years with degrees in accounting and finance, said her closest friendships began inside Stanford Residential College, which has since been torn down. “People embrace diversity here in a way that connects everyone,” she said.
Alyssa Casanova, an English major following in her mother’s footsteps as a UM graduate, called the experience “full circle.” Her favorite memories included homecoming and football games.
Fadelaht Pessinaba, a business technology graduate, celebrated with 15 family members in traditional Togo attire. “I’m excited to see where life takes me—and to be part of the UM Alumni Network,” she said.
For some, the day was bittersweet. Joseph Fernandez-Andes, an electrical engineering major from Miami, said, “It’s something new, so I’m nervous—but optimistic for what comes next.”
UM Graduate Commencement honors achievement, perseverance
Nearly 1,250 University of Miami students earned master’s and doctoral degrees May 8 in two ceremonies at the Watsco Center that celebrated research, resilience, and the impact of a Cane education.
Author and conservationist James A. Kushlan, a triple alumnus, told morning graduates that despite global uncertainty—then and now—UM had prepared them well. “You’ve learned to be critical, creative, and to adapt,” he said. “You’ve learned how to swagger like a Cane—and how to learn.”
At the afternoon ceremony, pioneering UM diver and triple Cane Susan Mullane reflected on the school’s transformation from “Suntan U” to a world-class institution. “Never let this connection go,” she told graduates. “Give back however you can.”
President Echevarria also addressed the class, emphasizing unity through diversity. “Thanks to all of you, the U remains a place where we value excellence and meritocracy,” he said.
UM Law School Commencement celebrates leadership, legacy
The University of Miami School of Law conferred 415 degrees on May 10 in a festive centennial commencement ceremony filled with cheers, music, and reflection.
Speaker Dov Seidman, a global advocate for ethical leadership, urged graduates to pursue moral clarity as much as legal expertise. “Don’t strive to be just a great lawyer,” he said. “Strive to be a great leader who practices law.”
President Echevarria praised the centennial class for persevering through change and challenge. “The credential you’ve earned signals your ability to finish what you started,” he said.
Student speaker Diego Troncoso Breton, graduating cum laude, reminded classmates to honor their journeys. “No matter what you went through—you’ve reached this goal,” he said.
Interim Dean Patricia Abril encouraged graduates to carry forward the discipline and values they developed at UM. “Use your law degree to make the world a better place,” she said.
