ST. MARY’S CITY, Md., — St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the National Public Honors College, conferred degrees on 386 students during its 2025 Commencement on Saturday, May 10, held outdoors on the campus’ Townhouse Green. The graduates received Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Arts in Teaching degrees, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.
U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md., 8th), Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, delivered the keynote address, focusing on challenges to American democracy and the graduates’ potential to shape a brighter future. “…the path of democracy and freedom, human rights, the rule of law, literature, education, research and art,” Raskin said, describing the opportunities awaiting the Class of 2025. “And I can’t prepare you for that path in two minutes, but that’s all right, because the last four years of your time at St. Mary’s have been your real preparation for this moment, because you embody the St. Mary’s Way.” Raskin received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, presented by President Tuajuanda C. Jordan and Board of Trustees Chair John J. Bell ’95.
In her final commencement address as president, Jordan reflected on the graduates’ resilience. “In the spirit of the St. Mary’s Way, you have persevered through the challenges of the past few years with tenacity, patience and focus, balanced so importantly with a bit of fun,” she said. “We trust your journey with us has given you the leadership tools necessary to have productive careers and exemplary lives displayed with grace and humility.”
Bell, an alumnus, shared his perspective. “As an alumnus, I remember what it felt like to sit in those front rows, filled with excitement about my path ahead,” he stated. “And now three decades later, I feel that same sense of hope and possibilities standing before the Class of 2025.”
Five valedictorians—Devon Gorel, Robert Koontz, Morgan Kresslein, Sam Parizek, and Alayna Sievert—were recognized, with Parizek selected by lottery to address the class. He urged his peers to embrace kindness in a complex world. “[A]n unwavering and unflinching commitment to kindness is an unwavering and unflinching commitment to the values of this school, to the values of a liberal education, to the values of humanity,” Parizek stated. “Our position is not solely reactive or passive, but is brimming with agency, waiting to be energized and employed.”
The ceremony also honored four retiring faculty members—Beth Charlebois (English), Sandy Ganzell (mathematics), Walter Hill (political science), and Andrew S. Koch (chemistry)—who collectively contributed over 100 years of teaching. President Jordan acknowledged their impact on generations of students.
The event, live-streamed on the college’s website, is available for viewing at SMCM Commencement Recording. The outdoor setting on Townhouse Green fostered a festive atmosphere, with families and faculty celebrating the Class of 2025’s achievements.
Graduate Profiles and Achievements
The 386 graduates represent diverse academic and professional aspirations. Devon Gorel, a double major in computer science and mathematics, will join Microsoft as a software engineer in July. A varsity tennis team captain and climbing club member, Gorel exemplified the college’s emphasis on balancing academics and extracurriculars.
Robert Koontz, a Marine Science major and 13-year Navy veteran, plans to pursue opportunities at Y-12 National Security Complex or Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. His prior roles in submarine sonar, recruiting, and weather forecasting highlight his adaptability, a trait honed at St. Mary’s.
Morgan Kresslein, a neuroscience and biology double major, earned membership in Phi Beta Kappa, Beta Beta Beta, Nu Rho Psi, and Chi Alpha Sigma. A women’s soccer team member and two-time United East Elite 20 Award recipient, she conducted genetics research and served as a tutor and teaching assistant. Kresslein will pursue a Master’s in genetic counseling.
Sam Parizek, a Political Science and English double major, interned with Rep. Steny Hoyer through the Washington Program and worked as a Peer Tutor. With ambitions in local politics and graduate studies, Parizek’s commencement speech underscored the college’s focus on civic engagement.
Alayna Sievert, a mathematics major and educational studies minor, graduated in three years and will teach high school mathematics in Calvert County, aiming to coach volleyball and softball. A volleyball team captain, teacher’s assistant, and recipient of the Mattie M. Key Mathematics Award and Algebra Prize, Sievert embodies the college’s commitment to leadership.
Institutional Context and Impact
St. Mary’s College, designated as Maryland’s public honors college, emphasizes a liberal arts education rooted in the “St. Mary’s Way”—a commitment to community, integrity, and intellectual curiosity. The Class of 2025 navigated significant challenges, including post-pandemic recovery and societal polarization, yet demonstrated resilience. The college’s curriculum, blending rigorous academics with practical experiences like internships and research, prepared graduates for diverse paths.
The recognition of retiring faculty highlighted the institution’s academic legacy. Charlebois, Ganzell, Hill, and Koch shaped disciplines from literature to chemistry, mentoring students who now join over 20,000 alumni. Their 100-plus years of service underscore the college’s role as a hub of intellectual growth.
Raskin’s address connected the graduates’ education to broader societal issues. By highlighting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, he framed their degrees as tools for civic responsibility. His honorary degree recognized his contributions to public service, aligning with the college’s values.
Jordan’s tenure as president, culminating with this ceremony, emphasized student-centered leadership. Her remarks celebrated the graduates’ ability to balance diligence with joy, a hallmark of the St. Mary’s experience. Bell’s reflections as a trustee and alumnus reinforced the enduring optimism shared by the college community.
Ceremony Highlights and Community Engagement
The Townhouse Green setting, with its open lawns and historic campus backdrop, created an intimate yet grand stage for the commencement. The live stream ensured accessibility for those unable to attend, reflecting the college’s commitment to inclusivity. The recording’s availability online allows alumni and families to revisit the milestone.
The valedictorians’ diverse majors—spanning STEM, social sciences, and humanities—mirrored the college’s interdisciplinary ethos. Parizek’s call for kindness as an active, deliberate choice resonated with attendees, offering a forward-looking message amid global uncertainties.
The ceremony also showcased St. Mary’s extracurricular vibrancy. Graduates like Gorel, Kresslein, and Sievert excelled in athletics, while Koontz and Parizek engaged in professional and civic activities. These achievements highlight the college’s holistic approach, fostering well-rounded leaders.
Looking Forward
The Class of 2025 enters a world of opportunity and challenge. With 386 graduates, St. Mary’s continues to produce professionals equipped for careers in technology, education, science, politics, and beyond. Gorel’s role at Microsoft, Kresslein’s pursuit of genetic counseling, and Sievert’s teaching career exemplify the practical outcomes of a liberal arts education.
Koontz’s transition to national security roles and Parizek’s political ambitions reflect the college’s influence on public service. The graduates’ collective impact will extend to communities across Maryland, the nation, and beyond, carrying forward the St. Mary’s Way.
The commencement also marked a transitional moment for the college. Jordan’s departure as president closes a chapter of leadership that prioritized student resilience and institutional growth. The faculty retirements signal a generational shift, with new educators poised to build on a century of academic tradition.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland remains a beacon of public higher education. Its 2025 graduates, celebrated under the spring sky of Townhouse Green, embody the promise of a liberal arts education—equipped to lead, innovate, and inspire.
