Loyola celebrates Class of 2025 at 172nd Commencement ceremony
Loyola University Maryland celebrated the Class of 2025 at the University’s 172nd Commencement Exercises during a ceremony at the CFG Bank Arena in downtown Baltimore on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Approximately 1,400 students received their bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees during the ceremony.
The Class of 2025 is comprised of 872 undergraduate and 510 graduate students, as well as 117 varsity athletes. More than 90% of seniors were involved in on-campus clubs and organizations.
The Commencement speaker, McKenzie Coan, ’18, received a doctor of humane letters, honoris causa, from Loyola. Coan is a Paralympian, author, and disability rights advocate. A professional swimmer who has osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, Coan has represented the United States in four Paralympic Games—including Paris 2024—and has won four gold and three silver medals.
“I’m a Greyhound to this day—and the lessons, values, and spirit of Loyola continue to carry me forward in everything I do,” shared Coan. "I know this is something you’ll come to find true for yourself as you graduate and move on to the next chapter.”
Nosa Omoregbee, ’25, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, addressed her classmates during the ceremony.
“From now on, when people look at us, they are viewing the imprint of the core values and lessons that Loyola has instilled in us,” said Omoregbee. “I came to Loyola not having a clue what cura personalis meant. But I stand here today, a few hours from leaving Loyola, as an embodiment of that very value. I have been cultivated into a person with a heart that beats in care for the world around her, a mind that has been equipped with an incomparable education, and a body that is ever driven to go out and set the world on fire. My charge to you today classmates, is to pick up your torches, light the flame, and join me out there, as we ignite the path towards our greater tomorrow.”
Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D., president of Loyola, offered the Class of 2025 words of encouragement and wisdom as graduates prepared to embark on the next chapter of their lives.
“The future is not yet written. You have received an education that has a 500-year staying power. Jesuit education prepares you for today—as it has prepared generations of graduates during the most tumultuous times in history. Trust in that. Resist the urge to despair because you have so much going for you. Always seek out the light—and seek to be the light. We can’t afford to have you on the sidelines. We need you in the game. We need you to be a voice. A voice of reason; a voice of compassion; a voice of truth. Be a person who believes in a bright future and then go out and make it happen. Why do you have the confidence to do this? Why do you have the determination and the passion and the know-how? Why are you ready for whatever you are going to encounter tomorrow? Because you’re from Loyola. That’s why,” Sawyer said.
Also at the Commencement Exercises, awards were received by Tracey Frey, MBA ’25, who received the Carroll Medal; Kimberly Spiro, who received the Newman Medal; Trustee Robert Cawley, ’82, who received the President’s Medal; and Philemon Ministry, which received the Milch Community Partnership Award.