Graduate Student Address by Giselle Gabriel, Heller MA’25
Transcript
Good afternoon, distinguished faculty, honored guests, family and friends, and to you, my fellow graduates, the champions of this shared journey.
I bring you warm greetings from the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, where 365 rivers flow through rainforests, volcanic valleys and rugged mountain peaks. A land as resilient as its over 70,000 people. My home, the Commonwealth of Dominica.
For many in Dominica, Brandeis is not a familiar name. But one conversation changed that for me. Mrs. Amonia Paul-Rolle, a fellow Dominican and remarkable alumna, introduced me to this institution. Her passion for Brandeis' mission, where intellectual curiosity meets social justice, ignited something in me. And so I stand here today, not just with gratitude, but as proof that one voice, one story, can open doors for others. It is my hope that through my journey and experience here at Brandeis, more Dominicans will come to learn about this institution and the transformative opportunity it offers.
Today is a day of immense pride and reflection. We are not just celebrating the achievements of this extraordinary graduating class, but also paying tribute to 76 years of a remarkable university, its legacy of transforming lives, uplifting communities and making history. For over three-quarters of a century, Brandeis has stood as a beacon of knowledge, a haven for transformation and a vessel for innovation. As the 71st graduate class, we are not just recipients of this legacy, we're its torchbearers. We carry forward the dreams, triumphs and aspirations of all those who have walked before us, and we hold the responsibility to inspire those who will follow.
Today, we stand together as graduates of Brandeis' four graduate schools: the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
[Audience cheering]
Yes, let me hear you.
Right? The International Business School,
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the Heller School for Social Policy and Management,
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and the Rabb School of Continuing Studies.
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Bound by this shared experience, we step forward, carrying Brandeis' legacy, not just as a memory, but as a mission to shape the future. The path to this day has not been easy. Each of us has faced challenges, moments when we doubted our abilities and times when the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming. I remember standing on this very campus in my first week, wondering if I belonged here.
The graduate school experience came with an avalanche of reading, assignments and daily discussion posts. I suffered from imposter syndrome. I panicked, felt overwhelmed and cried real tears.
However, after speaking with classmates, I realized I was not the only one. Every single graduate student at GSAS, Heller and the business school has felt this way at various times in their studies here at Brandeis.
Fellow graduates, together, we have faced challenges of academic rigor and a day-to-day struggle of balancing our lives with our ambitions. Yet, we rose above it all. From late-night study sessions to shared meals, from grappling with complex assignments to celebrating our victories, we have built bonds that will last a lifetime.
My friends, we struggled together. But in that struggle, we found resilience. We discovered strength in our faith, loved ones, mentors and friendships we built here at Brandeis.
And today, we celebrate. We celebrate as a community that has supported, uplifted and inspired one another.
This moment is also a testament to the transformative power of education and community. For me, the generosity of Brandeis' alumni, like Bernard Lind and Steven Cohen, Class of 1963, transformed not just my education, but my purpose. Bernard's Arthur and Belle Lind Endowed Fellowship funded my degree. Steven's mentorship equipped me for academic guidance and resilience for my first winter. And Professor Ravi's encouragement was instrumental in helping me
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Yes. In helping me to overcome obstacles to become a student at Heller. Their belief in students like me inspired me not just to excel, but to dream of how I can give back one day. And that is what Brandeis stands for: a legacy of transformative giving, where generosity fuels excellence and enables us to lift each other higher.
Our faculty and mentors model this spirit of giving every day, not just through their knowledge, but through their encouragement and genuine care. Dean Madison's Coffee with the Dean, Professor Assan's ability to bring global concepts to life through his insights, and even unassuming gestures like Professor Jones' and Professor Ravi's snack at class reminds us that leadership is about service, compassion and connection.
My fellow graduates, these experiences have defined us, but they also inspire us to take action. As we step into the world beyond these walls, let us channel our resilience and faith into purpose. Let us live with the same boldness that founded this university: the courage to challenge injustice, innovate fearlessly and uplift others. Let us honor the legacy of those who came before us by building a future that is bolder, brighter and more inclusive.
To our families and loved ones, thank you for your unwavering support. To our faculty and mentors, thank you. Thank you for teaching with wisdom, passion and a heart.
And to the Class of 2025, let us remember the world needs our resilience now more than ever. As Justice Louis Brandeis once said, the greatest danger is that the greatest part of the people will not care. But we care. Deeply, fiercely and without apology.
Congratulations, Class of 2025. Stay fierce. Stay united. I thank you.