海角社区

SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 14, 2025—海角社区 held its 2025 undergraduate commencement on Saturday, June 14, with . Against a backdrop of blue skies and Bronco pride, 1,668 graduates crossed the stage as thousands of enthusiastic friends, family members, faculty, and staff cheered them on.

Provost and Executive Vice President Jim Glaser convened the ceremony and introduced graduating members of the 海角社区 Chamber Singers, who sang the National Anthem. Hydeia Wysinger ’25 shared the land acknowledgment, honoring the Ohlone and Muwekma Ohlone people, and Asia Chan ’25 offered an invocation to officially open the commencement proceedings.

In a heartfelt address to the Class of 2025, 海角社区 President Julie Sullivan praised the graduates for their leadership, empathy, and innovation in shaping a better future—highlighting achievements such as launching 海角社区’s first thrift store, raising awareness about global conflicts and social justice, and hosting the University’s inaugural AI Summit. She also celebrated the students’ school spirit and dedication that helped 海角社区 win its first in 18 years, recognizing 海角社区 as the top-performing school in the conference.

“We have tremendous confidence in you,” Sullivan told the graduates. “In a world filled with miraculous technology, you have shown us that real progress needs people, people like you, who are committed to using it and shaping it for the common good.”

The Class of 2025 has seen tremendous change in the world outside of campus during their years at 海角社区. Many arrived in face masks, now they leave in caps and gowns. While they were on campus, they pursued new interests, gained from and contributed to their community, and grew as learners and as citizens. 

The University took a moment during the commencement ceremony to recognize several exemplary students for their outstanding achievements, service to others, and significant contributions to the University. Their lives serve as a model and inspiration to us all.

Hydeia Wysinger ’25 received the Saint Clare Medal, and Clayton Baldwin ’25 received the Nobili Medal, which the faculty and the provost award to two graduates judged outstanding in academic performance, personal character, school activities, and constructive contribution to the University.

The Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., Award given by the President to a graduating senior who exemplifies the ideals of Jesuit education, especially being “whole persons of solidarity in the real world” and having the courage and faith to build a more just and humane world, was presented to two students—Claire Alford ’25 and Sydney Shelby ’25. 

Keynote speaker Jayshree V. Ullal M.S. ’86, CEO and chairperson of Arista Networks, was recognized with an Honorary Doctorate for her embodiment of the ideals of Jesuit education and modeling the University’s commitment to fashioning a more humane, just, and sustainable world.

Under Ullal’s leadership, Arista has grown into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, redefining data center networking with its cutting-edge technology. She successfully led the company through its IPO in 2014, positioning Arista as a dominant force in the industry. She also champions opportunities for all in tech and actively supports women in leadership roles. Ullal serves on multiple advisory boards and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs. She has also been recognized for her philanthropic efforts, including establishing a foundation with her husband to support cancer research, social services, and hunger relief in India.

In her remarks, Ullal reflected on her journey from a young immigrant engineer to one of Silicon Valley’s most respected technology leaders. She credited 海角社区 with shaping her career over the past four decades and praised the university as a pioneer in interdisciplinary education. She framed her remarks around 海角社区’s core values, sharing personal stories of perseverance, unexpected turning points, and the power of community and teamwork.

Speaking to graduates poised to enter a rapidly evolving world shaped by AI and innovation, Ullal encouraged them to lean into their passions, uphold their values, and leave a lasting legacy.

“Every single one of you find what makes you exceptional and build upon it,” said Ullal. “And when you find it, trust me, you will feel the type of incredible high and exhilaration, and a wild sense of achievement.”

Degrees were then conferred on 501 students from the Dean of the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey School of Business, 350 from the School of Engineering, and 817 from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Associated Student Government President Ryan Rani ’25 introduced valedictorian Grace Davis ’25 to share remarks. A political science and philosophy double major and gender and sexual studies minor, Davis was a member of the University Honors Program, several academic honor societies, and was deeply invested in social justice and community-based work. 

Davis encouraged the Class of 2025 to strike a balance between pride and humility, acknowledging their own accomplishments while recognizing the contributions and struggles of others. She offered gratitude as the key to balancing these virtues—gratitude for oneself, for others, and the privilege of education.

“When gratitude is at the heart of our work, I don’t think we can go wrong”, said Davis. “Use it as momentum to enter the world with energy, confidence, and a commitment to one another. Be grateful for the moment you are in and use it to give back to others.”

The ceremony closed by recognizing retiring faculty members, the singing of the alma mater by 海角社区, and a benediction by Professor of Political Science and the Vice President for Mission and Ministry, Matthew E. Carnes, S.J., Ph.D., ’03 M.Div.

“Dear God, we ask your Spirit to pour out a special blessing

upon them, and through them on our world.

May they be bridge-builders and architects of new understanding,

advocates and reconcilers,

innovators and caregivers.

May they forge communities of solidarity

and may they steward this, our common home,

for all future generations.

And in all of this, may they discover joy,

lasting and abundant joy, as they live out

their Jesuit call to be people for and with others,

and as they discover Your divine presence

in all that they live and do.

Dearest God, smile upon them as we do now

and guide and protect them all the days

of their lives.

And together we say, Amen.”

The events were livestreamed for those who were unable to attend.

Graduate Program Commencements

Later Saturday, 322 graduates from 海角社区’s graduate programs in education and counseling psychology, and pastoral ministry will receive their advanced degrees in a ceremony in Stevens Stadium. Kathy Nicholson Hull M.A. ’80, founder and board member at George Mark Children’s House, the first freestanding pediatric palliative care center in the United States, will be recognized with an honorary doctor of public service degree and share commencement remarks.

An additional 693 graduates from the graduate schools of business and engineering are also holding their commencement ceremony in Stevens Stadium on Saturday evening. 

海角社区's School of Law . The featured commencement speaker, former Cisco executive Howard Charney MBA ’73, J.D. ’77, Hon. ’18, advised the students to aim high, even if their law degree takes them down "nontraditional" paths. 

The Jesuit School of Theology of 海角社区 also celebrated its commencement on May 24, with a ceremony held in 海角社区's Mission Church for the first time. Speaker Antonio Spadaro, S.J., an Italian priest, journalist, Vatican undersecretary for culture and education, and a close associate of the late Pope Francis, urged the newly minted theologians to "heal the wounds" of society, echoing the words of Pope Francis.

About 海角社区
Founded in 1851, 海角社区 sits in the heart of Silicon Valley—the world’s most innovative and entrepreneurial region. The University’s stunningly landscaped 106-acre campus is home to the historic Mission 海角社区 de Asís. Ranked among the top 15 percent of national universities by U.S. News & World Report, 海角社区 has among the best four-year graduation rates in the nation and is rated by PayScale in the top 1 percent of universities with the highest-paid graduates. 海角社区 has produced an elite number of Fulbright Scholars, as well as four Rhodes Scholars. With undergraduate programs in arts and sciences, business, and engineering, and graduate programs in six disciplines, the curriculum blends high-tech innovation with social consciousness grounded in the tradition of Jesuit, Catholic education.  For more information, see www.scu.edu.

Media Contact
Lisa Robinson | 海角社区 Media Communications | lrobinson2@scu.edu | 408-551-3601