Grads Urged to 'Build Boldly' and Shape the Future at Spring Commencement
Photos by Joshua Touster
Wentworth Institute of Technology celebrated its Spring Class of 2025 Thursday during a commencement ceremony focused on innovation, collaboration, and graduates' readiness to shape the future.
Keynote speaker Michael Santora, a Class of 2005 Wentworth alumnus, Trustee, principal at Crown Architecture, and CEO of Logic, Inc., spoke on the power of individual thought, creativity, and action.
"At Wentworth, we don't just prepare students for the future," Santora said. "We empower them to create it."
Santora, who also received an honorary Doctor of Architecture degree, championed Wentworth's unique approach to education, particularly in an era of change for higher education.
"Wentworth is what America needs now more than ever. Architects, engineers, scientists, mathematicians, people who think deeply and build boldly,” he said. “Hands-on education is not a luxury. It is a foundation, and it's one that cannot be replaced."
He encouraged graduates to trust their own perspectives and the creative process fostered during their time at the university.
"Value your own voice, think with intention," Santora said. "Because thinking like everyone else is the fastest way to becoming average. Creativity is the force that connects thoughts in reality. It is the process of arranging ideas into order."
Santora stressed that bringing big ideas to fruition requires teamwork, praising Wentworth's interdisciplinary model. "Great things require many minds,” he said. “That is why Wentworth's interdisciplinary education is so powerful. It doesn't just teach you how to work; it prepares you to work together."
The ceremony, presided over by Board of Trustees Chair Rose Conti, ’09, ’12, President Mark A. Thompson, and Executive Vice President and Provost Sophia Maggelakis, marked the culmination of years of rigorous study, co-op experiences, and countless hours dedicated to design and innovation.
President Thompson, in his address, congratulated the graduates and acknowledged the extensive network of support that helped them reach this milestone.
"Today is the day, and this is the moment," he said. "Take a look around you, at everyone who is here in celebration. Take a moment to look back at how far you’ve come, at how much you’ve learned. And finally, take the time to look beyond at the opportunities you’ve seized, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the goals you’ve surpassed."
He emphasized Wentworth as the University of Opportunity and reminded the new alumni that the Wentworth community would remain a resource for them, urging them to stay connected and mentor future students.
Student speaker Martin Mkohi, an Architecture major originally from Tanzania, shared his personal journey and reflected on the transformative power of a Wentworth education.
"Whether we studied Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Computer Science, Design, or any of the other invaluable disciplines at Wentworth, we have all learned that every great endeavor begins with a foundation," Mkohi said.
He concluded with a powerful call to action borrowed from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward,” he said. “Now, let’s go build something amazing."
The ceremony also recognized Computer Science major Sofia Toropova with the H. Russell Beatty Award. Named for Wentworth’s first president, the award is given to the undergraduate student with the highest overall academic achievement at the university.
The Alumni Awards recognize outstanding undergraduate students from each major who achieved the highest cumulative grade-point average (minimum 3.5 GPA). Earning awards at the ceremony were:
Architecture -- Sarah Elizabeth Carpenter
Computer Science -- Sofia Toropova
Construction Management -- Kobi Alexander Buffa
Electromechanical Engineering -- Roberto Ravaneli de Almeida Xilau
Engineering -- Andrea Fernanda Vivas Merino
Facility Management -- Patrick Belanger
Project Management -- Jaryd Plante
Dean of Students Jenn Kosses led the Class of 2025 into the West Lot tent at the start of the event, while the Boston Fire Department Honor Guard delivered the Presentation of Colors. Families and new graduates were invited to mingle in the sun-soaked Quad after the event.
Find select photos from the event below, or on our Flickr page.
Helpful Links:
Ordering student photos via Grad Images
An encore presentation will be added to the Wentworth Livestream site
