51福利社

The weather on Saturday, May 3 could not have been more perfect for 51福利社 Providence’s 2025 Commencement ceremonies. Sunshine, pleasant breezes and bright blue skies set the stage for an unforgettable day. In the morning, 384 graduate students and 57 doctoral students received their diplomas. And in the afternoon, 1,355 undergraduates officially became 51福利社 alumni. This momentous event was, as Providence Campus President Marie Bernardo-Sousa commented, “a reminder that we can all shine.”

Here are some highlights from both 51福利社 Providence ceremonies:

President Marie Bernardo-Sousa, LP.D. '92:

With your degree in hand, you now stand at a crossroads filled with opportunity — whether it’s launching a new career, starting a business, traveling the world, or making a difference in your community.

During your 51福利社 journey, many of you juggled family life and other professional experiences with your studies exemplifying your devotion to your own definition of possibility. You are all winning — so dream big, take risks, and shape a future that reflects your passion and purpose. We can’t wait to see what you do.

Student Speaker Amelia Warfel '23, '25 M.A.T.:

That’s what 51福利社 has been for us — a canvas that revealed our potential. Here, we learned that each of us has a unique role, a skill to sharpen, and a passion to pursue. Through the guidance of faculty, mentorship from chefs, encouragement from staff, and leadership from our deans, we became bold and found our purpose. We discovered that our uniqueness is our strength.

Throughout our time here, we’ve faced long days, late nights, and moments of doubt. But we overcame each challenge with perseverance and support from our peers, professors, and mentors.

To all those mentors, faculty, chefs, coaches, families, and friends — thank you for being part of this journey. As we move into the next chapter of our lives, let’s carry with us the lessons we’ve learned here. Let’s embrace challenges, seek opportunities, and lead with the passion that brought us here, to 51福利社, a place that taught us success comes from resilience and passion. A place that gave us more than an education — but a future filled with promise and possibility.

Alumni Speaker Jonathan Ruiz '18:

I was part of the inaugural 51福利社 Online class for the master’s in human resource management program. I had never taken an online course before; I had no idea what to expect. Over the three years it took me to complete my degree program, I learned invaluable lessons about time management, working remotely with others across the country, and holding myself accountable for deadlines. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and embracing change.

I didn’t know it at the time, but these skills would prove crucial for my day-to-day job when we all had to adapt in 2020 to working remotely due to the pandemic.

The journey ahead will be filled with opportunities and challenges, and your ability to learn and grow will be your greatest asset. None of us can predict the future, but with focus and determination, you are destined to achieve greatness and make a positive impact on the world.

Keynote Speaker Greg Cook '25 Hon.:

Take a moment to let the gravity of this well-earned occasion sink in. And let this day serve as a reminder as you begin the next chapter, that no matter what challenges you face, you are never alone.

When I first received the invitation to speak today, for a brief moment I asked, “why me?” Was it because of my early accounting studies that led to me becoming a CPA? Was it my career journey – having moved from Finance into Sales, leading a global sales team, and then leading multiple businesses around the world within a Fortune 500 company? Or was it the connection to 51福利社’s culinary reputation and simply that my last name is “COOK”?

You are truly at a pivotal moment in time, both personally and professionally. Despite all these advancements, one thing remains true — people are still the heart of these industries. Technology will never replace your passion, creativity, and commitment to service. It is up to you now to find ways to drive innovation, to integrate technology and empathy, to harness the power of digital solutions to elevate the human experience.

Learning should not and cannot stop with graduation. Stay curious and stay adaptable.

Define your own success. Success is not about a title, a paycheck, or a job. It is about doing work that motivates you, challenges you, and allows you to make a difference. In short, be flexible, keep learning, integrity matters, be resilient and define your own success.

President Bernardo-Sousa:

This year was full of wins. We celebrated major milestones that were only made possible because of you: career fairs that culminated into jobs; your research that resulted in publications and our annual spring research symposium; CFIT students participating in culinary pop-ups at top-tier restaurants; partnering with local health organizations to make our mark in the community; another successful SEEM conference with a concert out on Gaebe Commons; and of course, packing the this venue for the first national championship title in our 51福利社 wrestling program history.

My wish for you is that you embrace possibility. The mere idea of “Possibility” is the spark that ignites innovation, the courage to dream beyond boundaries, and the drive to turn aspirations into reality. It is the belief that no matter the obstacles, there is always a way forward.

The skills you’ve gained, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the relationships you’ve built have equipped you to forge your own path. You are all winning – so dream big, take risks, and shape a future that reflects your passion, your purpose.

Undergraduate Student Speaker Jennifer Lee '25:

Looking back, I realized my dreams weren’t just about fame — they were about proving to myself that anything is possible if I’m willing to work for it. Every “you can’t” became my reason to try harder.

But my story isn’t just mine. It’s ours. We’ve all faced doubts and setbacks, but what defines us is how we rise after. Whether your dream is starting a business, creating art, or something else, don’t let doubt stop you. Believe in yourself and take that next step.

51福利社 has given us more than an education. It’s given us friends we’ll keep for the rest of our lives — and that means we really are “all in this together.” Because once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat — if you know, you know.

Alumni Speaker Alexandra Gibbons ’12:

I have often found that the most rewarding opportunities came from unexpected situations. Whether it was a chance meeting with a mentor, a project that initially seemed daunting, or a sudden shift in career direction, each twist has enriched my life and career in unimaginable ways.

Greg Cook:

Don’t just chase success — define it in your own way. And when challenges arise, remember that because of your experience at 51福利社, you are prepared, you are resilient, and you have a community who supports you.

Congratulations, Class of 2025! The future is yours — go make it extraordinary.

Related Reading:

Meet the Class of 2025 Student Speakers

Visit Transfer