Dean College held its 159th Commencement Exercises recognizing the Class of 2025 on Saturday, May 10, 2025 on Dean’s picturesque Franklin, MA campus.
The 246 graduates, representing 22 states and three countries, received their degrees, with many family members and friends in attendance. The ceremony was held outside on the front lawn of Dean Hall, along Awpie Way, with a livestream option available for those who could not attend.
Jay R. Leiendecker, Dean’s board of trustees’ chairman, welcomed guests, graduates, and alumni to the ceremony. He reminded the Class of 2025 of all they had accomplished, saying, “Graduates, your time here has been marked by discovery and determination. You’ve faced challenges, embraced opportunities, and grown in ways that can’t always be measured by credits or grades. You’ve learned how to collaborate, how to lead, and how to persevere. And as the world continues to evolve, so too will your role in it. You’re not just college graduates—you’re changemakers, innovators, contributors. You are real-life ready.”
Amanda Shields represented the Class of 2025 as the inspiring student speaker. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication, with a minor in Dance, as well as an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. While at Dean, Shields was involved in several campus organizations, including the step dance team, WGAO 88.3 FM radio station, and the men’s baseball team, where she managed their social media accounts. Additionally, she served as a new student orientation leader at Dean.
Shields spoke about the Class of 2025’s experience at Dean, saying, “As graduates sitting here today, we can reflect on all the highs and the lows we’ve encountered throughout our time here. We all should leave knowing we made a difference at Dean.” She continued by telling her peers, “Our future is a blank canvas, and we are the artists. We each get to choose how to paint it, whether that be with bold strokes of courage and creativity or abstract art to symbolize the beautiful chaos of uncertainty. Either way, we are all well on our way to creating a path that will lead us to success.”
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| Dean College graduation 2025 (Dean College photo) |
Dean’s interim president, Mark D. Boyce, shared sage advice for graduates to take with them as citizens of the world. “As the ancient proverb says, the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Today, you take that first step. Remember, along life’s journey, everyone can make a difference,” Boyce said. “Bulldogs, your world, your life’s journey awaits, and I can’t wait to see what a fantastic world you will create.”
During the ceremony, two Dean professors were recognized with the College’s Excellence in Teaching Award. The recipients were Ronald Brown, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology and Stephanie O’Neil, Ed.S., ’90, Adjunct Instructor in Business and Mathematics.
Also recognized were the Class of 1975, with members joining the processional robed in gold academic regalia. After the commencement ceremony, this enthusiastic group was formally inducted into Dean College’s 50th Society, a community of esteemed alumni who graduated from Dean more than 50 years ago.
Reverend Dr. Jacob W. Juncker, pastor of the Franklin United Methodist Church, delivered the invocation and benediction during the ceremony.
