After a night of rain, the morning skies cleared to beautiful sun, light clouds, and cool breezes for the University of Vermont's 222nd commencement ceremony. The weather seemed to mirror the spirit of resilience and triumph that filled the air as graduates, faculty, and families gathered to celebrate on the Main Green.
“This is a day of victory,” said the Honorable Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), a renowned advocate for the power of research and education in addressing global challenges. Director Panchanathan's keynote speech underlined the need for perseverance and collaboration, connecting it with the unique experience of being a graduate of the University of Vermont, guided, he said, by “the spirit of excellence.”
Director Panchanathan began his address by acknowledging that he didn’t remember the commencement speech that he’d heard upon graduating from college—“Nothing,” he said, eliciting laughter from the audience. But, he said, “you are the graduates of the University of Vermont, and that you will never forget.” And, he said, to help them remember his speech, he was going to attach his key points to each of the letters in the word “Vermont.”
He emphasized the honor he felt in standing before his "fellow Catamounts"—to loud cheers—and encouraged the graduates to embrace their victory—the “V” in Vermont, he said—over the challenges they’ve faced during their academic and personal journeys so far.
“There will be days where you will be challenged, where you will find moments of despair. Then close your eyes again,” he said, and recall the “E” in Vermont—for excellence. “Remember this day and think of that spirit of excellence that permeates through you,” Panchanathan said, “and will guide you and make sure that you continue to be successful in your life.”
Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the U.S. National Science Foundation, delivering the 2023 Commencement Address at the University of Vermont. Photo Credit: Bailey Beltramo
The distinguished speaker acknowledged the collective effort that contributed to the graduates' success, highlighting the support of parents, family, friends, teachers, mentors, and the dedicated faculty of the University of Vermont. He called upon the graduates to stand and express their gratitude to those who played a significant role in their achievements. “It is because of them that you are victorious today,” he said.
Addressing the spirit of excellence that he observed among the graduates, Director Panchanathan urged them to hold onto it tightly. He emphasized that excellence should not be seen as a measure against others but as a personal quest for continuous growth and self-improvement. He encouraged the graduates to face competition as an opportunity to enhance their own abilities rather than viewing it as a comparison with others.
Panchanathan further commended the research mindset ingrained in the University of Vermont—the “R” in Vermont—emphasizing its significance in the graduates' future endeavors and to the needs of “our great nation.” He praised their curiosity, urging them to retain their thirst for knowledge and the ability to ask the right questions. He highlighted the importance of evidence-based decision-making and encouraged the graduates to continue acquiring new talents and skills throughout their lives.
Reflecting on the unique challenges faced by the Covid-era graduates, Director Panchanathan acknowledged their resilience and innovation in “overcoming obstacles”—one of the meanings of the “O” in Vermont. He called on them to seize the moment—the “M” in Vermont—and recognize the opportunities it brings. He emphasized that every obstacle is a chance to transform it into an opportunity for growth and to “create great outcomes,” he said.
“There are three O’s,” Panchanathan said, smiling, as he gave the graduates a final quiz on the meanings of “Vermont” he wanted them to take with them. "You don't get your degree until you pass this quiz,” he said, as the crowd laughed. Overcoming obstacles, creating opportunity, and working toward meaningful outcomes are all, he said, attached to the “O” in Vermont.
Highlighting the significance of collaboration, Director Panchanathan stressed the value of working in teams to achieve progress. He encouraged the graduates to remember the transformative journey they embarked upon at the University of Vermont and challenged them to extend their success to others by mentoring and uplifting young minds who may not have had the same opportunities.
“There are so many still left behind,” Panchanathan said, “and I implore you today, every one of you should at least take 20 to 25 young minds, mentor them, lift them up, particularly from those communities that don't have the chance to see this amazing potential that all of you have realized.” Panchanathan called on the graduates not just to seek excellence in themselves but to inspire and motivate others, “so they too can contribute,” he said. “It is our responsibility.”
In closing, Director Panchanathan left the graduates with a lasting message. He reminded them of the power of their network—the “N” in Vermont. And of the importance of continually transforming themselves—the “T” in Vermont—and their communities, and the responsibility they bear to uplift others. “Lift them all up,” he said.
Panchanathan received a standing ovation.
Photo Credit: Bailey Beltramo
Cause for Celebration
This year’s ceremony was a momentous one for UVM President Suresh Garimella—his fourth commencement as president. Like the graduating students, “I came to UVM four years ago,” Garimella said, noting how much he had learned, and “like you I’ve made so many important connections.” Garimella invoked words of writer Vladamir Nabokov to encourage the UVM graduates forward: “The pages are still blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible,” he read. Then he urged the students to follow the same spirit. “Go forth and write your next chapter in bold strokes,” Garimella said, “go dauntlessly wherever your stories take you.”
This year’s commencement also marked an important achievement in the university’s work to make higher education accessible for all: the Class of 2023 is the first to complete four years of study at UVM paying the same for tuition as they did when they started, the fruit of an ongoing commitment to keep UVM affordable for students and families from Vermont and across the nation.
President Garimella conferred degrees on an estimated 3,383 graduates, including 2,645 bachelors, 493 masters, 133 doctoral and 112 medical degree recipients. Degree recipients include students from 44 states and 102 international students from 30 countries. Approximately 1,025 graduates are from Vermont. The graduating class includes 440 students of color.
During the ceremony, the university honored three of its most accomplished faculty members with the title of University Distinguished Professor, recognizing their exceptional contributions to their respective fields of study and their transformative impact on knowledge: Mary Cushman, University Distinguished Professor of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Stephen T. Higgins, University Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, and Psychological Science; and Gary S. Stein, University Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Department Chair, and Professor of Surgery.
Photo Credit: Bailey Beltramo
Honorary Degrees
In addition to Sethuraman Panchanathan, the president conferred honorary degrees on Michele Resnick Cohen ’72 and Dr. Mark A. Levine during the ceremony.
Panchanathan has had a distinguished career in science, technology, engineering and education spanning more than three decades. He has led NSF, a $9.5 billion independent federal agency charged with advancing scientific discovery, technological innovation, and STEM education, since 2020.
Michele Resnick Cohen is one of the founding members of the UVM Foundation Board and, with her husband Marty, provided funding for renovations that created Cohen Hall for the Integrative Creative Arts.
Dr. Mark Levine was appointed Commissioner of Health by Governor Phil Scott and began service on March 6, 2017. When the world was suddenly confronted by an unprecedented pandemic in 2020, Dr. Levine became a reassuring voice for Vermonters as he calmly presented evidence-based COVID-19 updates and sound public health guidance.
Additional information about Panchanathan, Cohen, and Levine is available here.
UVM senior awards were presented at Commencement 2023 to the following graduates: Jonah Stern, Kidder Medal; Maggie Sorrentino, Mary Jean Simpson Award; Kaya Daylor, Class of 1967 Award; Maddie Henson, Keith M. Miser Leadership Award; Mimi Duong, Elmer Nicholson Achievement Prize.
