On Thursday, June 12, under glowing sunshine and gusty skies, the Goodwin University community convened at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT, for the much-anticipated 2025 commencement ceremony — an event marking the conclusion of the University’s 25th Anniversary.
Goodwin class of 2025, signing off!
The weather may have been windy, but spirits soared as students, families, faculty, and staff celebrated a powerful milestone. The event marked the conferral of 875 certificates and degreess — with nearly 300 graduates proudly crossing the stage.
The path to success is paved with persistence
The ceremony began on a high note with moving tributes that set the tone for the day ahead. Nursing graduate Shailyn Metcalfe delivered a moving rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner, followed by Dr. Nicole Miller, associate dean of community inclusion and belonging, who gave a heartfelt performance of the Black national anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing.
University founder and president Mark E. Scheinberg then took to the podium, reminding graduates that their journeys have been shaped as much by setbacks as by successes. “At Goodwin, we talk a lot about perseverance, adaptability, and purpose-driven education, but those aren’t just words in a brochure,” he said. “They’re lived experiences often shaped in moments when things didn’t go according to plan.”
He emphasized the importance of growth through struggle, adding, “Failure is not a detour on the path to success — it is the path. It teaches us humility, it sharpens our focus, and gives us the kind of courage we can only learn through lived experiences.”
That message was echoed deeply by student speaker Jayanna E. Rodriguez (Bachelor of Science in Human Services), who reflected on the many obstacles faced — and conquered — by the class of 2025. “We are not just graduates. We are overcomers.” She continued, “We are proof that even when life got heavy, we still carried on.”
Leading with conviction
In keeping with Goodwin’s tradition of recognizing community impact and leadership, the University presented honorary degrees to several extraordinary individuals: Janice Butler-Flemming, founder of Voices of Women of Color; Harry James, a respected developer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist; and Alan Lazowski, founder of LAZ Parking. Lazowski encouraged the graduating class to lead with compassion and conviction: “When I tell you that anything is possible in life, and never give up, and let’s bring our humanity to the moment to help others, we can all do it.”
The ceremony’s final honorary degree went to keynote speaker Bern Nadette Stanis — beloved “Good Times” actress and best-selling author. Drawing on her own experiences with adversity, Stanis inspired the graduates to step forward with confidence and clarity. “I know this is a beginning for you and a lot of us will have fears, and I know some of you do. But you have been educated,” she said. Reinforcing their readiness, she added, “You’re graduates, and you know your work. When you walk into your new job, wherever you go, hold that within yourself.”
A national success story, rooted in Connecticut
As President Scheinberg and Provost Michael Pardales officially conferred degrees, families and friends cheerfully applauded — a testament to the hard work, persistence, and transformation each graduate has undergone.
In his closing remarks, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal delivered high praise for Goodwin University’s impact on the educational landscape. “This commencement is the most exciting in Connecticut, and Goodwin is one of the most exciting success stories in higher education in the whole country,” he said. “Thank you for believing in Connecticut, thank you for believing in yourselves, thank you for believing in education.”
As tassels were turned and caps tossed into the air, one truth rang loud and clear: the class of 2025 is ready. With resilience, adaptability, and a deep sense of purpose, these graduates are poised to make a meaningful difference — wherever their paths may lead.
Bri Gagné is a content developer at Goodwin University, bringing backgrounds in literary studies, creative storytelling, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and social justice. They earned their bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Film Studies, and Gender Studies from University of Connecticut and a master’s in Elementary Education from Eastern Connecticut State University.
After teaching English abroad and locally, Bri transitioned to a full-time writing career, contributing to the University’s educational narratives and brand-building efforts. They are currently earning their Master of Fine Arts in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing at Emerson College.