F&M Stories
‘The Door is Inside You,’ Speaker Tells Class of 2025 at Commencement
As Franklin & Marshall College graduates find their footing beyond campus, they need only to look inward.
“The door is inside you,” said speaker Sandra Cisneros, addressing members of the Class of 2025 at the College’s 238th Commencement May 10.
Bittersweet currents of joy and reflection filled the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center Saturday morning as 450 graduates received diplomas. Watch the recorded ceremony.
“We are saying ‘farewell’ rather than ‘goodbye.’ As Diplomats forever, you will always be part of this community,” said F&M President Barbara Altmann, who will retire in July after leading the College with distinction since 2018.
Highlights of the ceremony included remarks from Henry S. Williamson Medalist Shayra Nunez and Class of 2025 president Michael Vasquez. In addition to Cisneros, honorary degrees were awarded to Danene Sorace, 43rd mayor of the City of Lancaster, and Jonathan Groff, award-winning Broadway actor and singer.
Cisneros, activist and author of “The House on Mango Street,” encouraged graduates to “do work on behalf of others.”
“Ask your ancestors for courage, and in return, promise to do work that honors them. To do away with your small self, work from your highest self. Work from puro amor y amor puro – pure love and only love – on behalf of those you love,” she said.
Nunez echoed that sentiment.
“As we graduate today, the world is asking us who we are and what we stand for,” said Nunez, recounting her childhood journey as an immigrant in the United States.
“We are resilient. We are resourceful. We are persistent in the face of whatever challenge or uncertainty may come, because of our individual and collective strength,” she said.
“We leave here today as Diplomats, local and global.”
For downloadable images of the ceremony and events leading up to Commencement, see our full photo gallery.
Graduates proceed toward the College’s 238th Commencement ceremony. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Commencement speaker Sandra Cisneros, acclaimed poet, short story writer, novelist and essayist. (Photo by Eric Forberger)
Graduates gather with family and friends outside the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center. (Photo by Eric Forberger)
Shayra Nunez ’25 received the Henry S. Williamson medal, F&M’s highest award for student achievement. (Photo by Deb Grove)
The next generation of Diplomats received their diplomas on May 10, 2025. (Photo by Deb Grove)
F&M President Barbara Altmann addresses the Class of 2025. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Graduates greet family and friends as they proceed toward the College’s 238th Commencement ceremony. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Bittersweet currents of joy and reflection filled the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center Saturday morning as 450 graduates received diplomas. (Photo by Eric Forberger)
Bittersweet currents of joy and reflection filled the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center Saturday morning as 450 graduates received diplomas. (Photo by Eric Forberger)
Lux et Lex Walk Celebrates Class of 2025
On the eve of Commencement, the College’s graduating class took a final passage through campus together during the Lux et Lex Walk.
See Photos »“If you work for joy and illumination, you will have lived a wonderful life.”
– Commencement speaker Sandra Cisneros“Like all the classes before you, you will place well, you will quickly rise to leadership positions, and you will – to quote our College mission statement – lead lives of meaning.”
– F&M President Barbara Altmann“Let’s move forward with a sense of purpose. Let’s take what F&M has taught us about having difficult conversations, about honoring our differences, and about inspiring change — and bring it with us into our careers, our communities, and our causes.”
– Shayra Nunez ’25, Henry S. Williamson medalist“Let us chase after our aspirations and continue to cultivate community, to navigate through difference, to live, learn, and grow the Diplomat way.”
– Michael Vasquez ’25, Class of 2025 presidentFull Commencement Remarks
Sandra Cisneros, Commencement speaker
Related Articles
July 17, 2025
From Passion to Ph.D.: He Zhuo ’24 Found A Calling in Chemistry
Forging into the unknown to uncover new inspirations — that’s the Diplomat way. For He Zhuo ’24, this meant exploring different fields before discovering an unexpectedly acute interest in chemistry. Now, he’s pursuing a doctorate in chemistry at Vanderbilt University. “Majoring in chemistry at F&M provided me with a robust foundation in the subject,” Zhuo said.
July 10, 2025
F&M to FBI: How Kristopher Martinez ’24 Embraced an Unexpected Opportunity
For Kristopher Martinez ’24, F&M wasn’t just a place to study business and government — here, he could live it, question it, and grow through it. Martinez said this immersive experience not only fostered skills in critical thinking, communication, and leadership, but instilled the confidence he needed to embrace unexpected opportunities — such as landing a role as a contract specialist with the FBI. “F&M gave me skills that have been essential in the start of my career,” he said. “I credit F&M for challenging me and allowing me to see untapped opportunities.”
July 3, 2025
Young Alumni Share Law School Journeys
Robert Suite ’17 and Matthew Thomas ’19 first met at F&M. Their post-graduate paths led them both to Drexel School of Law. Follow their story of friendship and mentorship.