Brandeis Stories

Photos: Graduate students shine on Commencement day

Graduates from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, the Brandeis International Business School and the Rabb School of Continuing Studies participated in the afternoon ceremony.

Photography by Dan Holmes and Gaelen Morse
May 21, 2025

A person sings the National Anthem from the podium during Commencement.
Anthony Everard Grant, Heller MA’25 sang the National Anthem for the graduate ceremony.
Graduates clapping during the ceremony
Heller School student enjoying the ceremony

“Let us honor the legacy of those who came before us by building a future that is bolder, brighter and more inclusive.”

Giselle Gabriel, Heller MA SID’25

Giselle Gabriel speaking at the podium, one of her hands in the air
Giselle Gabriel, Heller MA SID’25 delivered the graduate student address.
Dean Kathryn Graddy shakes the hand of a graduate
Graduates watch the ceremony
Jim Obergefell receives an honorary degree
Businessman and activist Jim Obergefell received an honorary Doctor of Laws.
Shirley Ann Jackson receives an honorary degree
Physicist and former Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute president Shirley Ann Jackson received an honorary Doctor of Science.

“Do not be afraid of uncertainty. Some of the most meaningful turns in my life came when I walked off the obvious path.”

Shirley Ann Jackson, H’25

A graduate student waves to the crowd while walking across the stage.
Graduates standing and clapping
Two graduates standing during the ceremony, one helping the other with their hood
Students listen to the speeches during Commencement
A graduate student on stage smiling
Students standing and clapping in Commencement attire