Vermont State University celebrated its 2025 graduating class Saturday evening at its Randolph Center campus with a ceremony that was shortened due to an impending thunderstorm.
The threat of severe weather prompted organizers to omit scheduled speeches from university dignitaries and the student commencement speaker. Instead, the program moved directly to the presentation of degrees for graduates of the Randolph and Williston campuses, formerly home to Vermont Technical College programs.
“I think you might be aware that we have a thunderstorm watch,” said VTSU President David Bergh as he opened the event. “And so we want to prioritize making sure we get students through and recognized and get degrees. And so I don’t think you’ll probably be upset if we have that happen before I give a long speech.”
The audience responded with thunderous applause.
The abbreviated format did not dampen the spirit of celebration. Degrees and certificates were conferred across a wide range of academic programs. Among the most recognized students were those from the Vermont Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), a selective early college program.
“Your dedication, your perseverance and it was perseverance and your personal growth over the last year have been nothing short of inspiring,” said Professor Joan Richmond Hall as she honored VAST graduates.
Valedictorian Gio Cacitti graduated with a GPA of 3.98, and Salutatorian Josh Luzzatto with a GPA of 3.95. The Oak Clifford Scholarship, in memory of a VAST alumnus, was awarded to Quinn Patrick Leno, a computer information technology student with a GPA of 3.0. “Quinn is known for his steady character and his positive, inclusive attitude,” Richmond Hall said. speaker Sophia Rivera did make it to the stage as she was given her bachelor of science degree in manufacturing engineering technology. Rivera was named student engineer of the year and had previously led a tour of the university’s labs for Governor Scott’s cabinet.
In a copy of her speech shared with The Herald, she extolled her experience coming to Vermont from her home in New Jersey.
“Someone recently asked me what I’ll miss the most about Vermont. And when I give this question some honest thought, I’m going to miss the way life is done up here,” she said. “I was not just another random face in a multitude of strangers. There is a community here that knows me and has welcomed me these past few years. Being here in Randolph was my first experience in a small town. And I can honestly say what I believe I’ll miss the most about Vermont is the acceptance, accountability, and support I have been privileged with as a member of this little community.”
The university also posted a video message to graduates featuring congratulations from Bergh and two thirds of Vermont’s congressional delegation.
“Congratulations to the Vermont State University class of 2025. And as you embark on your next chapter, know that Vermont has your back,” said U.S. Sen. Peter Welch. “To solve some of our toughest challenges, we will need all of your energy, all of your enthusiasm, and all of your talents.”
U.S. Rep. Becca Balint praised students for the many ways they had grown during their time at VTSU.
“We honor you in all the ways you’ve learned, earned, stretched, adapted, persisted, believed, achieved and absolutely flourished throughout your time at VTSU,” she said. “We believe in you and you already make us incredibly proud.”
Bergh also used the video to share a final message: “This is your moment. You deserve this. You’ve worked hard for it. And this is something you’re going to remember the rest of your life.”
