School of Professional Studies Class of 2025–We salute you!
It was a day of celebration at the KU Edwards Campus on May 17 as the School of Professional Studies undergraduate class of 2025 was recognized and graduate students received their hoods. Speeches were heartfelt, inspiring, and filled with wisdom. Many families, friends, and supporters were on hand for the ceremonies, and mingled in the quad filled with laughter and sunshine for the reception that followed. (Photo albums of the big day are here Undergraduate and here Graduate.)
“I marvel at the varying backgrounds each of you represents, whether that means you work full time, care for family at home, or are the first in your family to forge the path to an undergraduate or master’s degree,” Day said. “Attending school, changing paths, studying, working, juggling schedules, and making time for family and friends have been some of your greatest accomplishments.”
Student speakers shared stories of resilience and lessons learned from their SPS experiences.
Samia Chergui, a biotechnology graduate, spoke about coming to the United States not speaking the language or knowing anyone but her husband. She began the bachelor’s program five years ago with a new baby in her arms. She earned her degree while balancing significant family demands as two more children were born over those years, and all were in attendance to see their mother graduate. Chergui shared that she got up at 4 a.m. daily to study and “those hours were my lifeline, built from exhaustion and love.” She found friends and a supporting community at the KU Edwards Campus and plans to continue her studies with a goal of becoming a scientist and a researcher.
Margaret Worley, one of the first graduates from KU’s criminal justice program, expressed gratitude for the program and its professors who have worked in a variety of criminal justice fields. They taught about real people, real systems, and the real change the students have the power to create. “The program dove into the hardest topics– human trafficking, school safety, abuse, and corruption. . . and then we learned how to be part of the solution,” Worley said.
In the Hooding ceremony, Chris Beeman, engineering management grad, spoke about learning to give more than what was asked of him, saying requirements are just opportunities to exceed. His desire is to apply that lesson throughout his career. “There’s joy and excitement in going above and beyond,” Beeman said. “There’s pride in putting your name on something you put your whole heart into.”
Alexis Greenberg, project management grad, said her fellow graduates have honed many skills that prepared them for success, but she encouraged them not to forget to bring care and compassion into their careers. “Remember your greatest asset is your ability to connect, to lead with empathy, and to build authentic and meaningful relationships.”
Associate Dean John Bricklemyer had the honor of calling each students’ name as they crossed the stage to be recognized or be hooded by their program director. Associate Dean Amy Neufeld and Dean Day were there to shake the hands of each new graduate.
The ceremonies each concluded with a resounding Rock Chalk cheer and thunderous applause. And with that, everyone headed to the quad for cookies and photographs to mark big day.
Congratulations to all the graduates.
