Temple University, Japan Campus
2025 Commencement
The Japan campus of Temple University (TUJ) held the 2025 commencement ceremony on May 16th at Hitomi Memorial Hall.
More than 1,300 guests, including family members, friends, and distinguished guests from Japan and abroad, gathered to celebrate the Class of 2025 and their completion of undergraduate and graduate degrees from a globally respected American public university. The graduates embodies diversity, talent, and determination, having achieved notable success across academics, international engagement, practical training, and career advancement.
“I want to urge all of you to give yourself the permission to be wildly ambitious. Whatever that means to you. Set goals that scare you, but don’t get caught up in trying to achieve them all at once. Focus on the small things you can actually do. That's what will moves you forward, even if you don't notice it right away.
Most importantly, as you chase these ambitions, self-reflect and appreciate the people around you. Spread positive energy, because it will always find its way back.”
Student Speaker
Leonardo D’Amato (BS International Business)
“What I have always said about TUJ is that it is what you make of it, and that applies to our lives too, doesn't it? This is not the last time you will be thrown into terrifying circumstances and foreign and uncomfortable environments. In fact, the stakes will only get higher from here. But there is something powerful in that we have chosen to face this challenge, and that choice belongs to each and every one of you. If you want to succeed at TUJ you have to be brave and okay with being different, and many of you by virtue of making that choice have already demonstrated your ability to do so.”
Student Speaker
Soren Dickson (BA International Affairs)
“Not a single one of us here today has done it alone. There was always someone who gave us moral support, or proofread our writing, or gave us feedback on our drafts for class projects. I hope that if they are in this hall today, each graduate here finds their own way to express their gratitude for all the support that has led us to this common destination.”
Student Speaker
Dr. Bartolome Jose Bazan Rios (PhD in Applied Linguistics, Graduate College of Education)
Graduates chatting in front of Hitomi Hall
Graduates in front of the Hitomi Hall
A graduate with a TUJ backdrop
A graduate with a TUJ backdrop
Getting ready for the commencement.
Getting ready for the commencement.
A group of graduates from the Graduate College of Education
A group of graduates from the Graduate College of Education
Capturing their special moment of graduation together with Shinya-B!
Capturing their special moment of graduation together with Shinya-B!
A beautifully decorated graduation cap by a graduate
A beautifully decorated graduation cap by a graduate
A group of graduates from the Beasley School of Law
A group of graduates from the Beasley School of Law
A group of graduates from the Master in Management
A group of graduates from the Master in Management
A group of graduates from the Graduate College of Education
A group of graduates from the Graduate College of Education
Graduates filled with joy
Graduates filled with joy
The Stage and Audience
The Stage and Audience
Dean and a Graduate
Dean and a Graduate
Stacked diplomas
Stacked diplomas
Graduates
Graduates
Video message greetings from Main Campus, John Fry, President, Temple University
Video message greetings from Main Campus, John Fry, President, Temple University
Graduates with the happiest smile
Graduates with the happiest smile
The bagpiper and stage party walk out from the stage.
The bagpiper and stage party walk out from the stage.
Focusing on Karen's beautifully decorated cap
Focusing on Karen's beautifully decorated cap
“Life's like a roller coaster. You have ups and you have downs.
Just give it time. Don't give up. Take that baby step, one foot in front of another, and just get out there and do it.
Graduates, keep going. Keep the faith. Don't give up. You are ready. You got this.”
Head of Roblox Japan, President of Roblox China, TUJ Board of Overseers
Ari Staiman
“Graduates, whatever comes next for you, know that the years you've spent here, the connections you've made, and the way that dialogue has influenced your thinking, all those things have prepared you to play an influential role in that conversation between our nations that is still going strong 149 years after it kicked off in Philadelphia.”
Culture Affairs Officer, Director of Public Engagement U.S. Embassy in Tokyo
A. Sunshine Ison
“On behalf of the people of Nagasaki prefecture, I sincerely support you in the hope that you will all spread your wings with high aspirations and be successful both in Japan and around the world.”
Vice Governor of Nagasaki Prefecture Yuko Baba on behalf of Governor of Nagasaki Prefecture, Kengo Oishi
“I challenge you to globalize your compassion. Build bridges with your knowledge. Use your education to illuminate dark corners of misunderstanding, division, or despair. Bring light to others. Bring kindness everywhere. Bring solutions and a smile.
Like a canoe that stays upright by moving forward, your momentum in life – your purposeful action – will bring balance and progress. Never underestimate the power of consistent effort. Keep paddling.”
TUJ Dean Matthew Wilson
Graduate and Faculty
Graduate and Faculty
Celebration Cake at the Reception
Celebration Cake at the Reception
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
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