D’Youville Graduates Nearly 450 in Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony

On May 10, 2025, D’Youville University held its Spring Commencement ceremony at the HarborCenter complex in downtown Buffalo. The event celebrated the achievements of 447 graduates across various academic disciplines, with U.S. Congressman Tim Kennedy delivering the keynote address.

As Kennedy took the stage for graduation rehearsal on Friday, May 9, he looked out at hundreds of empty chairs—chairs that would be filled to capacity on May 10—and said, “26 years ago, there is no way I could have ever imagined being on stage to give the commencement address at my alma mater. I just needed a job back in those days!”

When delivering his commencement address to a packed HarborCenter arena, the 1999 D’Youville graduate (Occupational Therapy) and representative of New York’s 26th Congressional District in Washington DC told graduates, “Greatness is in you! You have achieved this extraordinary level of education and are ready to take on the world! You should be so proud of what you’ve accomplished! And as you go out into the world, and you’re making plans and following your dreams, persevering through the difficult moments in your life, know that it is God preparing you for what is next. Stay focused and follow your heart and create your own pathway that you believe in!

Always Remember: Life is a Journey, Not a Guided Tour. Now your journey begins!”

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The Student Body President

John Rizk, President of the Student Government Association, delivered the salutatory address. For the ceremony, the Doctor of Pharmacy graduate, called his decision to attend D’Youville and to get involved in the campus community the best decision he’s ever made.

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Reflecting on his time at D’Youville, Rizk noted, “Six years ago, I came here with a lot of questions—about what I was capable of, what I cared about and whether I could actually turn that potential into something meaningful. I didn’t know yet what my light looked like— the unique strengths, passions, and voice I had to offer. Honestly, most of us didn’t, but we showed up anyway.”

Recognizing his own personal growth and that of his classmates, Rizk further observed, “And somewhere between the long nights and early mornings, the group projects and clinicals, the setbacks and the small wins—we changed. Slowly, quietly, and sometimes without even realizing it, we became more than students. We became professionals. Problem solvers. Teammates. Leaders.”

In his closing, Rizk encouraged his fellow graduates to step out boldly in life, “Here’s the challenge: the world will often ask you to play small. To downplay your abilities, to hold back your ideas, or to stay quiet so others aren’t uncomfortable. But shrinking yourself serves no one—not you, not the people who need your voice, and not the world waiting for your impact. My advice to you: Don’t! Don’t stay quiet. Don’t hold back your ideas. And don’t be afraid to speak up—even when you’re the newest one in the room.”

President Remarks

President Clemo opened her closing remarks after the diplomas with a special opportunity for one graduating student, an opportunity for the dog to eat their debt.

“The university mascots Saint and Maggie are dedicated to giving back to the community. Over the past five years, they have donated over $20,000 to local dog rescues through the funds they raise at the annual Drool Cup. In the spirit of giving, Saint and Maggie got together and decided they would pay off the D’Youville student loan debt of one lucky student at each commencement ceremony.”

Through a ping pong ball style lottery, one lucky D’Youville student was selected to have their student loan debt paid off by the university.

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Clemo closed the May 10 commencement program be reflecting upon the life dreams of families for their children and hope for the future.

“Graduates, you are the fulfillment of dreams born long before today—dreams of parents, teachers, mentors, and generations who believed in your potential before you could even see it yourself.

Yes, you are the product of another generation’s hope—but you are also this generation’s answer.”

Speaking to those trained in the health sciences, President Clemo offered a special charge, “Many of you have been trained in the health sciences. You have learned how to treat illness, relieve pain, and restore wellness. But your education at D’Youville has prepared you for more than a career--it has prepared you to be active citizens, to see health not only as a personal condition, but as a collective responsibility. It has equipped you to build healthy communities—not only through medicine and care—but through justice, kindness, and civic engagement.

Because a truly health community is not just free of disease. It is a place where people thrive.”

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Three Generations of Alumni

D’Youville’s class of 2024 represents the very best of what the university has to offer Western New York, the state, the country, and the world. D’Youville has been recognized

as a national leader in social mobility and a school that transforms lives and families for professional success and community service.

Cole Benson completed requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has been offered a position at Buffalo General and begins as a full-time nurse professional over the summer. It was a special day for Cole and his parents, Katie and David Benson, as Cole is a third generation D’Youville alumni.

Cole’s grandmother, Sally Kreuzer Stefanick, was a member of the class of 1957 and his great grandmother, Kathryn Kenefick Kreuzer, was a member of the class of 1927. His great aunt, Jane Kreuzer Supples, was a member of the class of 1962.

“D’Youville’s enrollment and alumni programs are increasingly becoming multi-generational,” said Britt Davis, Vice President for Advancement. “We love the stories of the children or grandchildren of D’Youville alumni extending their family legacy with the university.”

By the Numbers

Among the 447 degrees awarded, 229 were presented to those completing an undergraduate program and 218 to those completing a graduate or professional degree program. Nearly 100 student-athletes were among the group.

The university graduated the following in select health science programs:

Doctor of Pharmacy 95

Bachelor of Science in Nursing 92

Doctor of Chiropractic 58

Doctor of Physical Therapy 25

Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner 21

Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner 21

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy 14

Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health NP 10

Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health NP 10

Advanced Certificate Psychiatric Mental Health NP 9

During the 2024-2025 academic year, D’Youville University enrolled approximately 2,500 students on the main Buffalo campus as well as online in undergraduate and graduate programs. Nearly 75% of all D’Youville students are from the eight counties of Western New York and 14% of students are from Canada.

President Clemo added, “D’Youville University has been graduating nurses and other healthcare professionals to serve Western New York and the region for more than 80 years. This year’s class is one of the largest we’ve had since before Covid. We could not be more proud of these 447 bright and talented young people and the impact they’ll make in this world. God speed.”

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About D’Youville University

D’Youville University is a nationally ranked private university founded in 1908 and headquartered in Buffalo, New York, which offers degrees in the health sciences and business. D’Youville University promotes a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Through transformational educational experiences, students are prepared for growth, career success, and upward mobility. For more information, visit dyu.edu.