Updated as of 4:06 on May 22 to include video from the event.
In a ceremony marked by the bestowing of hoods and diplomas given by Elon University president Connie Book, 85 students received their master’s degrees at Elon University’s graduate commencement ceremony May 21 in Alumni Gym.
The ceremony honored graduates of Elon’s graduate programs within the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education — Master of Arts in higher education, Master of Education in innovation, Master of Science in accounting, Master of Science in business analytics and Master of Business administration.
Elon University provost and vice president of academic affairs Rebecca Kohn began the festivities by offering a welcome to the soon-to-be graduates and emphasized that this was not merely an end, but a transition point.
Micaela Acosta G’25, who received her Master of Education in Innovation, delivered the message of appreciation. Acosta traveled from Argentina to earn her master's degree in the U.S. Acosta said that her fellow graduates’ story was just beginning and urged them to make it one worth telling.
“We stand on a bridge between two worlds, the world that shaped us and the world we are about to shape,” Acosta said. “We gather not just to celebrate what we have accomplished, but to ignite the courage for what lies ahead.”
An Elon University graduate student celebrates after a hood is bestowed upon her during the graduate program commencement ceremony on May 21 at Alumni Gym.
Kevin Trapani is an executive in residence at the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and delivered the commencement address. Trapani was the CEO and co-founder of The Redwoods Group until he retired in 2024. The Redwoods Group is one of the first certified for-benefit corporations in the U.S. and an insurance provider dedicated to protecting youth-serving organizations. He was also the executive vice president of Burlington Insurance Group and held senior leadership positions at various other insurance companies.
Trapani, who is the father of three Elon graduates, began his speech by telling the graduating class that they are Elon.
“Those three words carry weight more than a diploma, a title or resume ever will, because to be Elon means you've been formed in a community that believes in purpose, that values knowledge but also character, that believes we're not simply here to succeed, but to serve,” Trapani said.
Trapani said that at a time when loneliness and anxiety is rising, people are more often questioning who they are. Because of this, he urged the graduates to form others and teach character because a successful democracy relies on informed, selfless citizens. Trapani listed belief, belonging and behavior as three ideas that can guide the graduates’ lives.
In a world full of digital distractions, Trapani said belief can help keep people focused.
“Belief demands presence,” Trapani said. “It's not virtual, it's not curated, it's not convenient. Belief is what grounds us when the world shakes, it's what gives us direction when distraction surrounds us.”
He said that religion can be a good use of this belief as he said religiously affiliated Americans report higher well-being, but he emphasized that belief in any values we hold can accomplish this. He told graduates that he expects them to change the world.
“If you're receiving a graduate degree from Elon, you have privilege. The question is, ‘how will you use it?”’ Trapani said. “Your privilege is power. And know this, power is not a bludgeon, it's a blessing. Not something you use to dominate, but something that demands that you give.”
After the graduates received their diplomas, Book wrapped up the ceremony by congratulating the class on their accomplishment. At the end of the ceremony, graduates were given an oak sapling. With an oak sapling in her own hand, Book said that she hopes graduates remember the journey they went on while at Elon each time they sit near an oak tree in the future and urged the graduating class to uphold Elon’s values as they enter the next stage of their lives.
“I charge you to carry Elon and our values always,” Book said. “Use Elon's values to honor the inevitable, hard choices, lean on them and each other.”