Class of 2025 Graduates from Fisher

Across three ceremonies held on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10, St. John Fisher University conferred baccalaureate degrees on more than 600 members of the Class of 2025.

Before the graduates walked the stage to receive their diplomas, Dr. Gerard J. Rooney, president, bestowed President’s Medals upon Dr. Donald E. Bain, president emeritus of St. John Fisher University, and Jerome Underwood ’89, president and chief executive officer of Action for a Better Community. While Underwood was unable to attend the ceremony, Rooney took a moment to recognize his accomplishments. The University intends to welcome him to campus in the fall to formally present him with the medal.

As Rooney introduced Bain, he detailed his 40-year career at the University. Bain joined the Fisher faculty in 1975, and throughout his tenure, he held the positions of assistant, associate, and full professor; as well as chair of the History Department. For his efforts, he twice received the University’s Award for Teaching Excellence.  As a scholar, his research interests focused on government service and 20th century American national security. Bain also held several positions in the University’s administration, including dean of faculty; provost and dean of the college; vice president for administration; acting president; interim president in September 2004; and was appointed president in November 2005.

When he took office as president, he brought a clear vision for the future of the University shaped around a strong dedication to enriching the student experience, a loyalty to the doctrine of shared governance, and commitment to sound finances. During his tenure, the University experienced academic renewal and an expansion of the campus footprint - all bolstered by Vision 2020, a successful capital campaign which added several facilities to campus, established additional scholarships, and grew the endowment.

Bain retired from his presidency in June 2015, earning the title of president emeritus. In his honor, the University renamed the campus center the Donald E. Bain Campus Center, reflective of his positive impact on the student experience at Fisher.

“Dr. Bain became my mentor, a confidant, and I am proud to say, a dear friend. It has been an honor and a privilege to follow his leadership as president of our beloved institution and to continue his momentum and shared commitment to our mission. I am grateful for his valuable guidance and for the many ways he shaped the institution we both cherish,” said Rooney.

A highlight of Commencement are graduates who are chosen to speak on behalf of their class. At the Friday afternoon ceremony, Ceyla Mentis, a political science and legal studies major, shared her story and encouraged her classmates to remember their resilience whenever they are faced with challenges.

“If I have one message to you all, it would be to not let anyone take away your shine. Continue to shine bright, and don't ever dim your light. For we are each unique, and what makes us stand out must be celebrated,” Mentis said. “You are strong, you are smart, you are worthy. You dictate your own life, and all you need to do is keep pushing, and keep giving it your all.”

Degraj Suberi, who was a double major in physics and math with a minor in computer science, addressed his classmates on Saturday. A first-generation college student, Suberi said that through involvement in several scholarship programs and student organizations, he found his voice at Fisher. He urged the Class of 2025 to go out into the world and use their voices.

“Don’t be afraid to build the spaces you once needed. If something is missing, create it. If someone is struggling, lift them up. If a door doesn’t open, build your own. Because we’ve already proven we have what it takes—not just to succeed, but to make things better for the people coming after us,” he said. “To my fellow graduates, congratulations. You didn’t just earn a degree. You’ve earned a future you get to shape.”

Creating positive impact was the theme of the day, as Julia Gabalski, a nursing major, spoke to classmates at the third ceremony.

“We are about to walk into a world that is unpredictable and demanding. Some days will break our hearts. Others will be filled with joy,” she said. “But no matter what, we will make a difference.”