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.

Watch the Recorded Ceremony

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.

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“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 president

Full Commencement Remarks

Sandra Cisneros, Commencement speaker 

F&M President Barbara K. Altmann

Shayra Nunez ’25, Henry S. Williamson medalist