Congrats, Class of 2025: Connected to the 'Berg and each other for life

Wherever the newest Heidelberg graduates are heading next, they will remain connected and always have a place at their Sweet Alma Home. That message echoed throughout Commencement on a simply gorgeous and perfect Sunday morning in Hoernemann Stadium.

“We are so pourd to have all 262 of you join our over 15,490 living alumni … inspired by our oldest living alumna, Lenore VanGundia Costello from the Class of 1938 at age 108,” said President Rob Huntington as he welcomed the students, their families and friends, faculty, staff, Trustees, alumni, campus neighbors, and special guests.

“To all of our graduating students and their families, please know how much we admire your aspirational spirit, hard work, and determination to reach your life dreams. Nothing is easy. It has been our privilege to help nurture your personal and professional development,” he said.

“You have built many close relationships here. Please continue to make Heidelberg stronger through all of your connections and by returning.”

Heidelberg was proud to welcome alumnus and Trustee Leon Garoufalis ’81 as the keynote speaker this year. The CEO and president of Composite One, headquartered in Illinois, encouraged the grads to live their lives with integrity, humility and fearlessness.

Inspiring words

In keeping with Heidelberg tradition and the theme of connections, two graduates – Madelyn Brown, representing graduate students, and Laura Ludwig, representing undergrads – were selected to address their classmates.

Madelyn, who received her Master of Arts degree in counseling, titled her speech Connection: The Currency of Impact. In it, she asked the grads to consider a “what if”: “What if the most important thing we do in life isn’t what we achieve but who we reach?”

By practicing classic counseling skills – being present, listening, and empathy – each individual can make their own impact.

“These three skills are very much interconnected. When you implement one, you are most likely implementing another,” she said. “These skills are not difficult. They simply require your willingness to build a connection … where our greatest impact is made.”

In her speech titled It’s Never Too Late, Laura detailed her non-traditional journey to graduation. Returning to college in her early 40s after having raised her family while moving around the country with her military husband, she was initially unsure how she’d fit in with undergrads who were closer in age to her children.

“But what I found here was something I didn’t expect: connection,” Laura said.

“Despite the differences in our life stages, we found common ground in late-night study sessions, group projects, nerves before presentations, and that mutual relief when a big assignment was turned in. I may have started out feeling like an outsider, but I leave here feeling like part of something much bigger. That’s what makes Heidelberg so special. It welcomed me as I was.”

As an undergrad, Laura fully embraced the student experience, joining the Kappa Psi Omega sorority and a host of other student organizations, where she found her community and her people.

Laura is now part of a Heidelberg Legacy Family; two of her sons, Mason ’21 and Elliot, have Heidelberg connections, and she got to enjoy being on campus the past two years with her son, Charles Jr.

“I stand here today not just as a mother, but as proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams,” Laura said. “Life is going to throw challenges our way … It may slow us down, but it doesn’t have to stop us. … Keep going.”

She reiterated that all of the new grads are now part of “something greater” – the Heidelberg alumni family. “So lean on each other, lift each other up, and continue to grow and learn from every experience.”

Commencement by the numbers

In all, 200 undergrads received Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. A total of 62 graduate students received their master’s degrees in Business Administration, Counseling, and Athletic Training.

Among the Class of ’25, there were 11 states and three countries represented: the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Colombia.

This was Heidelberg’s 172nd Commencement and a special event this year as the university celebrates the 175th anniversary of its founding in 1850.

More awesome traditions

As classes before them have done for many years, the Class of ’25 processed from University Hall to Hoernemann Stadium down Greenfield Street, Rebecca Street and into Hoernemann Stadium. Leading the procession was the class’s newly revealed banner and a colorful array of flags and regalia.

As each graduate walked across the stage to receive their diploma, Dr. Chris Abrams, Dean of Student Affairs, and Ashley Helmstetter, Vice President of Advancement, Alumni, and Community Relations, presented them with a white rose to convey the university’s respect, friendship, hope, and love as they continue their journey.

While it’s not an official tradition, for the second year, there was a special diploma presented to a graduate’s furry friend. President Huntington presented an Honorary Degree of Dog-torate of Canine Letters, laboris canis to Samsa, Sean Friedhoff’s German Shepherd companion and service animal. Samsa has been by Sean’s side all four years at Heidelberg.

Team effort

During major milestone events like Commencement, the entire campus community comes together to pull it off.
Special music was provided by the Heidelberg University Symphonic Band, under the direction of Dr. Ben Herrick, and the Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Gregory Ramsdell. Graduating seniors Jacob Reuter led the singing of The National Anthem and graduating senior Zaria Keys performed the anthem Lift Every Voice and Sing. Graduating senior Abbey Yarris led the singing of “Sweet Alma Home” to conclude the ceremony.

Graduating senior Taylor Ratliff provided the invocation and Board of Trustees Chair Kathleen Geier ’78 assisted President Rob Huntington in presenting an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to the Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan Jr., Executive Director of the Ohio Council of Churches, who delivered the Baccalaureate sermon on Saturday, and an honorary Doctor of Business degree to Leon Garoufalis.