“This is the moment that this University has been built for.” With those words, Walsh University President Dr. Tim Collins opened the Spring Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, May 3, at the Gaetano M. Cecchini Family Health and Wellness Complex, addressing the Class of 2025. His words were a reassuring affirmation that the graduates were indeed ready for the future ahead.
A total of 634 graduates from 31 states and 13 countries received their degrees in front of family, friends, faculty, alumni, faculty and staff. Separate ceremonies honored graduates of the Gary and Linda Byers School of Nursing, the School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, and the DeVille School of Business, and the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education.
“Graduates, you have been formed in faith, shaped through rigorous academics, and inspired by the example of the Brothers of Christian Instruction,” said President Collins. “Your journey doesn’t end here. Go forward with courage, ready to uncover truth, serve others, and live with purpose.”
North Canton Honored for Decades of Partnership
As part of the Commencement ceremony, Walsh University presented its Distinguished Service Medal to the City of North Canton, honoring more than six decades of collaboration and mutual support.
Mayor Stephan B. Wilder accepted the award on behalf of the city and shared a message of community and shared responsibility: “Our partnership is a testament to what can happen when a city and a university grow together. May your next chapter be guided by service, innovation, and a heart for others.”
North Canton has employed many Walsh University graduates, is supportive of Walsh University events and initiatives, and was the inaugural member of Walsh’s Partners Program, a new initiative that enhances educational and professional development opportunities for city employees and strengthens connections between Walsh and the surrounding community.
Samantha Kelley: “Take your fear, give it to God”
In her keynote address, Catholic speaker and FIERCE Athlete founder Samantha Kelley invited the Class of 2025 to face the future with courage rooted in faith. She began by asking graduates to consider a challenging question: “As you look at what’s to come next, what are you most afraid of?” Drawing on her own experience as a Division I athlete and Ironman triathlete, Kelley shared how fear—even panic—can accompany big challenges, but it doesn’t have to define us.
Kelley reflected on the biblical story of David and Goliath, noting that David was not fearless, but chose to move forward trusting in God’s strength rather than his own. She encouraged graduates to do the same: “You have a choice as you step onto the battlefield of life. You can choose to be a Goliath, relying on your own strength, or you can choose to be a David, stepping forward in faith.”
She reminded the Class of 2025 that each of them is utterly unique—a one-of-a-kind reflection of God, with a purpose only they can fulfill. Even when that calling stirs fear, Kelley urged them to “take your fear, give it to God,” and receive in return His reassurance, encouragement, and love.
Isabelle Rammel Challenges Class of 2025 to Lead with Integrity
Commencement speaker and Tower of Excellence Award recipient Isabelle “Izzy” Rammel challenged her classmates to lead with integrity, embracing respectful conversation and shared humanity in a world often marked by division.
A double major in Government & Foreign Affairs and Theology, Rammel is a standout scholar-athlete and leader who will attend The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law on a full-tuition scholarship. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of standing firm in one’s convictions while also listening and engaging with others who may hold different perspectives.
“At Walsh, we didn’t erase our convictions to get along—we chose to bring our whole selves into community,” said Rammel. “As we step into a world that often rewards division, I hope we choose a different path—one where we approach, appreciate, and seek to understand those we disagree with.”
Rammel urged the graduates to be the change the world needs, starting with how they engage in conversations and build bridges of understanding. She reminded them that the values of faith, service, and integrity instilled at Walsh should guide their efforts to foster unity and compassion in an often-divided world.
Congratulations to the Newest Members of the Walsh University Alumni Association—Your Journey Is Just Beginning!
