Simmons University Celebrates its 120th Commencement at MGM Music Hall

Simmons University celebrated the Class of 2025 during two successive ceremonies on Friday, May 16. The institution awarded over 500 baccalaureate degrees and nearly 1,500 graduate degrees.

Donning ceremonial attire, Simmons graduates processed into MGM Music Hall with smiles, waves and some jubilant dance moves. Decorated mortar boards and stoles displayed floral garlands, Pride emblems, whimsical cartoons characters and inspirational phrases. Simmons faculty, staff, family and friends congregated to celebrate the graduates’ many accomplishments during this 120th commencement ceremony in Simmons’ history.

Chair of the Simmons University Board of Trustees Regina Pisa initiated the ceremony, praising students’ remarkable perseverance and determination. “The way you’ve led yourselves, supported one another, and upheld the values of Simmons has brought us to this meaningful day,” she said.

University President Lynn Perry Wooten remarked, “I have witnessed your commitment to scholarship and service, and your drive to make a difference — for yourselves, our communities and our world.” Addressing the graduates as “the next generation of everyday leaders,” Wooten invoked the words of award-winning science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler: “‘All that you touch you change. All that you change, changes you. The only lasting truth is change.’”

Professor of Practice and Director of the Master of Social Work Program Gary Bailey delivered a heartfelt invocation. “As we gather at this threshold — between what has been and what lies ahead — let us pause to honor the journey we’ve walked and the world we dream of building together,” he said. Bailey interspersed his words with those of Indian polymath Rabindranath Tagore and feminist artist Judy Chicago.

Vice President of Student Engagement and Dean of Students Rae-Anne Butera introduced Jena Saul ’25MS, a Master of Library and Information Science candidate who delivered the morning ceremony’s graduate student address. Saul discussed the inevitability of incertitude. “But despite the chaos, one thing has remained constant — this incredible community [at Simmons],” she said. Furthermore, Saul extolled librarians’ commitment to free speech and equitable access to information.

Political science major, dancer-choreographer, and civic engagement enthusiast Helena Saldivar-Mieres ’25 gave the undergraduate student speech. “Instead of focusing on the end goal and the pursuit of a career, I want to encourage you to step into the unknown, do what feels right and embrace your journey as it comes to you and fall in love with the in between,” she said. Saldivar-Mieres also paid homage to iconic Simmons alumna Gwen Ifill ’77, ’93HD.

Provost Stephanie Cosner bestowed an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree onto Harriette L. Chandler ’83MBA, a long-serving Massachusetts State Senator and champion of women’s rights. During her address, Chandler said, “Simmons has always held a special place in my heart And that’s because Simmons has always been a place that stands up for raising up those on the edges and margins, for giving opportunity to everyone, including those from nontraditional or unexpected paths, and preparing everyone, regardless of background, for what comes next.”

Moreover, drawing upon the ancient Hebrew concept of tikkun olam (“world repair”), Chandler emphasized the importance of responsibility and purpose. “The education you've received at Simmons has prepared you not just for a career, but for citizenship in its fullest sense — engagement with the complex challenges of our time.”

During the afternoon ceremony, Vice Provost Leanne Doherty welcomed the student speaker, Master of Social Work candidate Esha S. Boyd ’25MSW. In her speech, Boyd shared her personal struggles with mental health and incarceration while underscoring Simmons’ longstanding commitment to equity: “Simmons never wavered in its commitment to equity and [social] justice.” Though the graduates Boyd addressed represented diverse backgrounds, “what binds us together,” she said, “is this: we chose to heal, to serve, to lead and to advocate.”

Provost Cosner bestowed an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree onto Sandra L. Fenwick ’72, former CEO of Boston Children’s Hospital and a tireless advocate for pediatric health care. At the start of her address, Fenwick recalled her 1972 graduation ceremony, when Coretta Scott King served as Simmons’ Commencement speaker. Fenwick credited King’s legacy and her Simmons education for inspiring her and fellow graduates to “trailblaze as women, fight for diverse populations, improve health care and education, advance science and technology and lead with moral and ethical standards.”

Reflecting on her leadership within a male-dominated industry, Fenwick highlighted the necessity of courage and resilience. She also privileged the moral constitution of leadership — punctuated by authenticity, humility and respect — above conventional skill sets.

President Wooten concluded the event by conveying warm wishes to the graduates, encouraging them and their loved ones to soak up every moment and celebrate this important milestone.