Eastern celebrates fall semester graduates at reception

“Hold on to the curiosity that has been created here, that openness and confidence in your ability to live forward with purpose,” said Eastern President Karim Ismaili to fall semester graduates during a special reception on Dec. 3 in the Fine Arts Instructional Center foyer.

A total of 140 students completed their degree requirements during the fall 2025 semester. 

Political science major Zachary Robinson addressed his peers in a speech that reminded them of the significance of Eastern, noting its tightly knit environment, community, students, and the undergraduate opportunities it provides. “I will always continue to carry Eastern with me,” he said.    

Among the students was biology major Jasmine Antonucci, who plans to pursue her master's degree and Ph.D. in integrated biology, oceanography, and marine biology.  

She credited her research experiences with biology Professors Joshua Idjadi and Matthew Graham, as well as a tropical biology trip to The Bahamas, for equipping her with skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in her post-graduate path.  

Communication major Savannah Striano reflected on her time working at the Office of University Communications and Marketing, where she will continue to work after graduation. “As an Eastern graduate, I feel really proud of myself to be able to continue working for the school that taught me everything,” she said. 

Finance major Diego Hernandez remembered the personal challenges of adapting from being an only child to “stepping out of his comfort zone.”   

Hernandez shared highlights of his time at Eastern, including traveling to a conference in New York City with the finance department. “The finance department does an amazing job with all the classes and opportunities they provide students.”  

After graduation, Hernandez plans to visit his family out of state. “They’re the only thing in my mind right now; I haven’t seen them in four months,” he said. 

Environmental earth science (EES) major Danna Gonzalez shared her plans to work and start her master’s degree in fall 2026. Gonzalez expressed her gratitude to the EES department for its supportive community.  

“It’s a very small department; my professors know my name, and I can talk to them on a personal level,” she said. 

Fall 2025 graduates are invited to participate in the University's official undergraduate commencement exercises on May 16, 2026, at Hartford's People's Bank Arena (formerly XL Center). For more information, visit the commencement website.