On a bright May day in 2025, the University of Massachusetts Boston will celebrate its graduates with a ceremony steeped in rich traditions. Among those stepping onto the Campus Center Lawn is Dylan John Burke, whose journey reflects not just personal achievement but also the broader narrative of academic history.
As he walks across that stage, adorned in his cap and gown—a symbol of years spent pursuing knowledge—Burke embodies centuries-old customs dating back to medieval Europe. The regalia worn by students like him harkens back to an era when robes were standard attire for scholars within church institutions. Today’s gowns may be black predominantly, yet they carry whispers of vibrant colors from universities around the world that have adopted more colorful variations over their long histories.
The ceremonial mace carried at commencement symbolizes authority and tradition; it’s a striking piece made from fluted mahogany with brass accents. Atop it rests a bronze disk bearing UMass Boston's seal—a lighthouse radiating beams of light above ocean waves—echoing the university's mission “to preserve and extend knowledge.” This emblem serves as both inspiration and reminder for graduates like Burke about their role in society beyond academia.
Burke’s experience culminates here today, where he joins fellow classmates under Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco's watchful eye during this momentous occasion. The program features distinguished speakers such as Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, who herself represents breaking barriers as the first Black woman to hold her position in Massachusetts. Her words resonate deeply with graduates embarking on new paths after graduation.
As Basim Naeem '25 delivers remarks on behalf of his class, there is palpable excitement mingled with nostalgia among peers reflecting on shared experiences—the late-night study sessions, spirited debates in lecture halls, friendships forged amidst challenges faced together throughout their college years.
This celebration isn’t merely about conferring degrees; it's about recognizing each graduate's unique story woven into UMass Boston’s fabric since its inception following the merger with Boston State College in 1982—and even before then—to institutions dating back to 1852.
In this moment filled with joy and anticipation lies an understanding that education transcends mere academics—it shapes lives while fostering resilience amid uncertainty encountered along life’s path. As members sing “To UMass Boston,” echoing through campus grounds filled with prideful alumni returning home once again, it becomes clear: today marks not just an end but rather another beginning for Dylan John Burke alongside countless others ready to make meaningful contributions wherever they go next.