United by a shared calling to care, teach and empower, the graduates stepped into the next chapter of their journeys guided by the words of Commencement Keynote Speaker Tina Loarte-Rodriguez, MSN ’20, DNP ’23, executive director, Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce.

“Class of 2025, congratulations. You’ve shown up…for yourselves, for your families, for your communities…despite obstacles, uncertainty and what felt like an unending gauntlet of change,” said Loarte-Rodriguez, in a moving address that celebrated perseverance, resilience and purpose. “You’ve earned this. Every late night, every tear, every triumph—today is yours.”

Drawing from her own journey, from growing up in the Bronx to becoming a nurse, educator and author, Loarte-Rodriguez reminded graduates that the road to success is rarely linear but always worth traveling.

Loarte-Rodriguez, who identifies as a proud Afro-Latina Boricua, encouraged graduates to embrace detours, honor their failures and never underestimate the power of their voice. She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced — failing exams, making mistakes, starting over — and the lessons learned through each experience.

She also reflected on the need to create what doesn’t yet exist. During the pandemic, when she couldn’t find a book that reflected her experience, she wrote one. “Latinas in Nursing” became a celebrated collection of stories from nurses like her and soon expanded into a second volume and a companion edition highlighting Latino voices.

She emphasized the importance of asking for help and “stopping the line” when something feels wrong, particularly in healthcare settings. Her speech also honored the essential role of educators and nurses in shaping society, calling them “hope engineers” and “science, soul and skill wrapped into one.”

“You are not waiting to be empowered. You are power. As you move forward in your careers, remember this—nurses and educators belong everywhere decisions are made,” said Loarte-Rodriguez. “Whether it’s at the bedside, in the boardroom, on a school committee, in a policy think tank, or at the highest levels of government — you belong there.”

Loarte-Rodriguez left the Class of 2025 with a challenge and a promise: Keep learning, advocating and building something that lasts.

“Because true success isn’t just about getting it right,” said Loarte-Rodriguez. “It’s about staying right there when it goes wrong and doing the work anyway.”

During the Saturday morning ceremony, the university conferred 170 degrees on School of Education graduates, including 68 Master of Arts in Teaching, 16 Master of Science in Special Education, 21 Master of Science in Instructional Design and 65 Sixth-Year Diplomas in Educational Leadership. In the School of Nursing, the university conferred 367 degrees, including 176 Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 96 Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 62 Master of Science in Nursing and 33 Doctor of Nursing Practitioner.

Provost Debra Liebowitz opened the ceremony by warmly greeting the audience and thanking the facilities team for their hard work in preparing The Quad for today’s ceremony after a day of heavy rain yesterday. She was followed by Anna Bond Hilbie, Sixth-Year Diploma ’25, and her rendition of the national anthem.

In her address, President Judy Olian acknowledged the graduates’ extraordinary perseverance through years shaped by both opportunity and challenge. She highlighted the determination students showed during the pandemic, their ability to support each other, and their growth into forward-thinking professionals ready to make a difference.

“You are those who will lift the health, well-being and resilience of current and future generations,” she said.

Olian asked graduates to stand and face the audience to applaud their loved ones who had supported them throughout their journey. Applause also rang out for the dedicated faculty and staff, led by Dean Anne Dichele, of the School of Education, and Dean Larry Slater, of the School of Nursing.

She also highlighted the university’s mission to develop “enlightened global citizens equipped for careers of the future,” encouraging students to carry forward not only their academic knowledge but the values of curiosity, respect, and understanding of diverse perspectives, all hallmarks of Quinnipiac’s commitment to inclusive excellence and lifelong learning.

“You are teacher-ready, you are healthcare-ready, you are life-ready, you are future-ready,” said Olian. “Congratulations to the Bobcat Class of 2025!”

Chosen as the graduate speaker from the School of Education, Sam Prada-Putzig ’25, addressed the Class of 2025 with a powerful message about inclusion and embracing difference. Prada-Putzig earned their Master of Science in Special Education during Saturday’s ceremony. Drawing from personal experience as an autistic educator, Prada-Putzig shared how neurodiversity is not a challenge to overcome but a strength that brings insight and empathy to the classroom.

“Education is not about fitting everyone into a mold,” Prada-Putzig said. “It’s about breaking the mold to let individuality flourish.”

Prada-Putzig urged graduates to listen to diverse narratives, challenge stigma, and lead with compassion as they enter their professions.

Chosen to speak on behalf senior class, Colin Rindress MacDonald ’25, from the School of Nursing, reflected on the challenges and growth of the past four years—long study nights, clinical hours and the moments that shaped their perspective as future nurses.

“Nursing school gave us new eyes,” said MacDonald. “Eyes that see what many often miss…to be present, to witness, and to aid. That’s what makes our work matter.”

He thanked peers for their camaraderie, professors for their belief, and families for their constant support. In closing, he encouraged graduates to carry forward their hard-earned perspective, reminding others of their worth and, in their words, to “make it a good day.”

In a meaningful close to the ceremony, graduates were invited to move their tassels to the left, symbolizing their official transition from students to alumni. Paul Calamita, MBA’92, president, Alumni Association took to the stage to officially welcome the 2025 graduates into the Quinnipiac alumni community with pride, saying, “You are a Bobcat for Life! Congratulations!”

Photo Gallery

Watch the School of Education and School of Nursing Commencement

Education, Nursing

School of Education and School of Nursing Program and Order of Exercises

Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.

Download the program (PDF)

Order of Exercises

School of Education
School of Nursing

10 a.m.

Trumpet Prelude and Processional

Pomp and Circumstance, Sir Edward Elgar

Call to Commencement

Debra J. Liebowitz, PhD
Provost

National Anthem

Anna Bond Hilbie

Greetings

Judy D. Olian, PhD
President

Class of 2025 Student Speakers

• School of Education: Samantha Prada-Putzig

• School of Nursing: Colin Rindress MacDonald

Introduction of Commencement Speaker

Peter Longley, DNP
Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing
Director of Career & Alumni Development, Nursing

Commencement Address

Tina Loarte-Rodriguez
Executive Director, Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce

Presentation of Candidates for Degrees and Awards

• School of Education: Anne Dichele, PhD Dean

• School of Nursing: Larry Slater, PhD Dean

Conferral of Degrees

Judy D. Olian

Alumni Welcome

Paul Calamita, MBA ’92
President, Alumni Association Board

Recessional

Tina Loarte-Rodriguez, MSN ’20, DNP ’23

Executive director, Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce

School of Education and School of Nursing Undergraduate and Graduate Ceremony | Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.

Dr. Tina Loarte-Rodriguez is a dedicated nurse leader, advocate and innovator with over 19 years of experience in healthcare. She currently serves as the executive director of the Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce, where she leads initiatives to strengthen the nursing profession, promote diversity and advance health equity across the state. 

Loarte-Rodriguez previously served as associate director of health equity measures at Yale University’s Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation. A recognized leader in the field, she is a Hartford Business Journal Healthcare Hero Award winner and led her team to a Connecticut Nurses Association Excellence in Team Award. She has also published several works, including her recent book, Latinas In Nursing, the first anthology celebrating the journeys of fifteen Latina nurses across the United States.

She completed the American Nurses Association’s Innovation Accelerator Program and is a 2023-24 Fellow of the American Nurses Advocacy Institute. A first-generation college graduate, Loarte-Rodriguez received degrees from Cornell University and the University of Connecticut, before earning both her MSN and DNP from Quinnipiac University. 

Greetings from President Olian

Congratulations, Class of 2025! You’re poised to embark on your life journey as individuals who will influence the workplaces and the world of tomorrow. We are confident your talents, passions and education will lead to meaningful impact in all you touch. There is no doubt that these qualities will lift those around you—your family, workplace and community.

Over the course of your Quinnipiac journey, you’ve been guided by outstanding faculty and dedicated staff who are proud to stand beside you today. All that you’ve learned — and the many ways in which you’ve grown — will serve you well. In addition, you’ve gained new understanding and perspectives from one another during this profoundly transformative time in your lives. Stay connected to your Bobcat family, visit us often, and draw on the friendships and mentor relationships you’ve formed. 

This day is shared with your families and friends — those who’ve supported you every step of the way. They are bursting with pride on the milestone you achieve today. Savor this moment as you begin this next chapter and know we’ll be cheering for you as your Bobcat family.

Warmly
Judy D. Olian, PhD

Mace and Medallion

The mace — a symbol of authority — has antecedents in both Roman and Medieval history. The Roman mace (fasces) was carried by a lictor before the chief magistrate of the city, as well as before the legions. During the Middle Ages, the mace (mateola), a weapon of war, became first a symbol of victory and then a symbol of authority. The mace emblazoned with the Great Seal of England became a symbol of authority in Parliament by the end of the 13th century. It is this form of the mace that was the prototype of those symbols of authority, not only of legislative bodies, but also of cities and universities.

In 1246, following some 20 years of strife, the University of Paris was finally conceded the right to its own common seal. Since then, the use of the seal engraved on the mace has come to symbolize the authority of the academic community. In July 2000, Quinnipiac commissioned the noted sculptor Robert Meyer of Westport, Connecticut, to design and execute a new mace for Quinnipiac University. Cast in bronze, the mace incorporates elements of the university seal.

The medallion (medal of office), like the mace and the seal, is also a symbol of authority. It is possible that its roots may be traced back to the Roman “bulla” (a gold amulet of honor). The obverse of the medallion shows the seal of the office the wearer holds — in our case, the seal of the university. Not infrequently, the reverse would show the personal seal or coat of arms of the bearer. Since the High Middle Ages, the medallion has been worn by such officials as the chancellors of England, mayors of cities, and rectors of universities, and came to signify the high personal position such figures occupied in their respective governments. During the Renaissance, medallion design reached unique artistic heights, and in certain portraits the medallion was given particular prominence. The medallion is worn by the university’s president. The Quinnipiac medal showcases the university seal, sculpted in relief and cast in bronze.

Download the program (PDF)