On Sunday, May 18 the Brandeis undergraduate class of 2025 received their diplomas as now retired Brandeis professor Jonathan Sarna ’75 GSAS MA’75  provided the keynote commencement address. As students filled their seats in a great procession, alumni of the class of 1975 followed them into the auditorium marking their 50th graduation anniversary. 

Interim President Arthur Levine ’70 then read his remarks. In the speech Levine shared anecdotes pointing to the bittersweet nature of leaving college. He argued that students need to be able to look at themselves and feel proud, especially as they make a difference in their communities, families’ lives and future workplaces. In closing, he addressed the class of 2025 directly saying, “Follow your heart, the lifetimes a long time to do something you don't want to do.” 

Next, Sarna shared how his own graduation 50 years ago mirrored the ceremony occuring today. He explained how peaking inflation and high unemployment rates rattled him and his classmates all amid a backdrop of conflict in the Middle East. Familiar to students, Sarna solidified the connection by comparing the Yom Kippur War of 1973 to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in 2023. He called these times “Dark days on campus” recognizing how history doesn't repeat itself, but it “nearly rhymes.” He bore no direct mention of the Israel-Hamas War or this year’s student protests, though he did note the University’s  “radical” and “militant” activism in the 1960s. 

He urged the students and faculty to reawaken a collective response to current affairs in order to reaffirm Brandeis as an “academic center for Jewish leaders.” Importantly, Sarna directed listeners to follow the advice of the commencement speaker at his graduation, Senator Edward Kennedy: Be the “sober generation.” In other words, stay moderate, be mature, be nuanced and remain calm. Do not be swayed by the intoxication of power and instead “Seek balance in our actions and character.” His remarks completed with the statements “Aim at the happy medium” and “Keep calm and stay sober.” 

Hana Renate Klempnauer Miller ’25 then gave the undergraduate student address. She began by congratulating her fellow graduates, stating enthusiastically, “Class of 2025, we made it!” Miller majored in Health: Science, Society, and Policy and Anthropology, with a minor in Legal Studies and graduated with high honors. She highlighted the unique nature of Brandeis and how students immerse themselves in a range of disciplines. “Brandeis is truly a place unlike any other,” she remarked. Miller emphasized that she entered the University, “wholly uncertain of who I could be,” but it was the institution’s faculty, peers and culture that enabled opportunities and extensive growth. 

Her speech emphasized a quote from Henry David Thoreau, “be not simply good; be good for something.” Miller explained this to mean, “aim above morality.” It is not enough to think about change in the world, one must act. She explained how Brandeis fosters this action oriented thinking and that the student body embodies this motto. She called Brandeisians’ dedication to enacting positive change in the world to be the “life blood of the people” and that “the spirit of good lives in this place [Brandeis].” 

Miller stated that she does not fear the future even with the consideration of the uncertain and often strifeful state of the world. She attributed this optimism to Brandeis’ ability to, “turn lessons into change.” 

She went on to emphasize this notion and inspire her fellow graduates into action. “We are relentless,” she stated, “persist, lean into fear…be unshakable…make hope possible everyday.” She then looked to the future, describing this next point in graduates' lives as one of excitement and promise. 

Miller ended her speech by calling back toThoreau and telling her fellow graduates to once again to theorize about the future they want, to use what they have learned and create that world. 

After Miller’s student address, the students were called to the stage by Alumni Association President Amy Cohen ’85 to accept their diplomas and new graduate status. Smiles adorned many peoples’ faces; some also added decorations to their graduation regalia. Hollers and claps from the crowd echoed through the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center as graduates waved from the stage. As they walked up to Levine they also greeted and thanked Provost Carol Fierke and Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Jeffrey Shoulson. Many students adorned themselves with culturally significant accessories, while some brought flags to represent their home countries and values. Approximately three students held Palestinian flags and some graduates chose not to engage with administrators, while most shook Levine’s hand,  or made brief comments to him. 

As the ceremony came to an end, graduates and those close to them scattered about campus. Groups took photos and embraced while enjoying the sunny day.