“Higher education is essential to a healthy democracy. It’s where we prepare global citizens—not just for careers, but for life.
You are able to think critically, engage across differences, and contribute to the communities we share as a result of your education and experiences in college. Higher education has fueled American progress—driving innovation, leadership, and civic life. Beyond job training, colleges prepare people to strengthen our democracy and help solve the challenges facing our nation.
You’re graduating into a divided world — and you’re exactly what our world needs. You have done the hard work on our campus: listening, debating, compromising, and reaching across differences. Carry these skills with you.”
See more from the 2025 University of Southern Maine Commencement.
University of Southern Maine’s Commencement was one of seventy campuses participating in From Campus to Community a new national campaign to champion civil discourse and democratic engagement in this year’s commencement season. More from President President Jacqueline Edmondson.
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