Randolph, VT–Vermont State University (VTSU) is excited to graduate its second class this spring on May 17 and 18, 2025 and is pleased to announce a remarkable lineup of commencement speakers for the four ceremonies, held at the Castleton, Lyndon, Johnson, and Randolph campuses over the weekend.
“We are delighted to welcome distinguished alumni and campus community leaders John Casella, Greg Tatro, Ken Cadow, and Sophia Rivera to our campus celebrations,” stated VTSU President David Bergh. “Each of our four speakers has an incredible story to share, rooted in values we share here at VTSU: community engagement and civic responsibility, lifelong curiosity, and experiential learning.”
Commencement will occur on the Castleton and Randolph campuses on May 17 and at the Lyndon and Johnson campuses on May 18.
Author Ken Cadow is the guest speaker at the Lyndon campus. He is both Co-Principal of Oxbow High School and the author of Gather, a young adult novel based on his own experience working with rural youth. Gather was the winner of the 2024 Kirkus Prize, a National Book Award Finalist, and an American Library Association Printz Honor book.
“I’m looking forward to sharing this important day with the VTSU Lyndon graduates,” Cadow said. “Like many rural students, I took a unique pathway to my education and have a deep appreciation for the role of community in shaping and furthering the next generation. I look forward to joining VTSU Lyndon on this important day.”
At the Johnson campus event, Gregory Tatro will be the guest speaker. Tatro is the co-founder of the non-profit Jenna’s Promise, a grassroots organization dedicated to creating pathways to wellness for people with substance use disorders. Their innovative Village Model aims to shift the paradigm of substance use disorder treatment and create better outcomes for individuals in recovery, as well as support the struggling rural Vermont community that houses the organization. Tatro’s dedication to this cause is driven by his personal experience of the death of his sister Jenna and a commitment to ensuring that others do not have to face the same struggles alone.
He stated, “VTSU plays an incredibly important role in the Johnson community that I live in, and I’m honored to serve as this year’s commencement speaker. I’m looking forward to sharing a conversation about hope, resilience, and the power of community as these talented graduates step into the next chapter of their lives.”
The Castleton campus will welcome alumnus and businessman John W. Casella (‘72) as the guest speaker. Mr. Casella is the Chairman & CEO of Casella Waste Systems, which this spring celebrated its 50th anniversary and has grown into one of the nation’s largest waste and recycling companies, employing over 5,000 people throughout the eastern United States.
He shared, “It’s always a good day when I get to return to the Castleton campus, and I’m looking forward to sharing graduation day with the Class of 2025. I’m grateful for the impact the institution had on me in my younger years and throughout my career as well as the tremendous contributions of its graduates to Casella, the Rutland area, and across the state of Vermont.”
At the Randolph event, Sophia Rivera will be both receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology and speaking at the event. Originally from Columbus, New Jersey, Rivera greatly benefited from VTSU’s hands-on approach to learning and the high-quality STEM curriculum. She received her Associate of Science degree in Electrical Engineering technology two years ago and was recently distinguished as the Student Engineer of the Year. Rivera also had the honor of leading a tour of the engineering and advanced manufacturing labs for Governor Scott’s cabinet during their visit to campus last fall.
“It’s an honor to have been chosen as this year’s commencement speaker,” Rivera noted. “My time at VTSU and the experiences I have had academically, professionally, and within the community helped me imagine unlimited possibilities for myself. I’m looking forward to sharing this moment with my classmates as we celebrate all that we’ve accomplished while at VTSU.”
