Class of 2025: Diplomacy and International Relations Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
On May 16, the School of Diplomacy and International Relations hosted its graduate hooding ceremony for the Class of 2025.
The atmosphere in the University Center was filled with excitement as students celebrated their academic achievements and looked ahead to launching their careers in global affairs. The ceremony was led by Master of Ceremonies Associate Dean Martin Edwards, and began with an invocation by Reverend Brian Muzás, assistant professor at the School of Diplomacy.
Dean Courtney Smith gave a warm welcome and reminded the graduates that ”The work of diplomats and international policy makers, and global activists is critical, necessary and indispensable. It might be scary for you to complete a degree in international affairs right now, but the world never needed you more than it does right now.”
This year’s graduates brought a truly international perspective, representing backgrounds in international law, international peace and security, foreign policy, national security, humanitarian aid, government service and more. From conflict management in Sierra Leone to research in Japan led by the National Security Fellows, the students tackled real-world diplomatic challenges.
Carter Bucken, who graduated with an M.A. in Diplomacy and International Relations expressed a feeling of accomplishment. “I think the School of Diplomacy has set me up for success in the field with the knowledge and critical thinking skills I learned in the classroom, and the professional experience I gained through extracurriculars, in particular the National Security Fellowship,” noted Bucken.
The ceremony also honored two students for outstanding academic achievement Zachariah Zeisler received the Academic Excellence Award for the M.A. in Diplomacy and International Relations while Matthew Schneider earned the top honor as a student in the Executive M.S. program. The ceremony’s keynote speaker was Ray Walser, Ph.D., professor of practice from the School’s Washington, D.C. Program gave the keynote address and Graduate student Steven Ochoa gave the closing remarks. Ochoa emphasized the contribution his classmate made through their published work on public policy. He continued: “These individuals,” he noted, “have proven not only to themselves but to the diplomatic world that they too are worthy of being heard, they too are worthy of being given the chance to show what they are capable of because they already have.”
In conclusion, Ochoa said that despite the political polarization and conflict in the world today, “the time for you to shine is now. So, before you leave this room, I would like you all to keep a few things in mind. Politics is meant to serve and not to be served. You must take your knowledge, wisdom, intelligence and perseverance to serve our nation and those abroad with the desire to rebuild what has been lost, to bring peace not only at a systemic level but to those around you as well. No matter the global issues, no matter the political instability, no matter the threats, do not fear.”
Graduates of the School of Diplomacy’s Class of 2025 are ready to take the next step into their careers, some will go into foreign service, others will begin their careers working with international organizations and policy think tanks, while some will pursue doctoral studies. All carry forward the mission of ethical diplomacy and Seton Hall values.
Categories: Education, Nation and World
