Seton Hall University Celebrates 169th Commencement, Class of 2025

Seton Hall University will celebrate its 169th Baccalaureate Commencement ceremony at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Prudential Center, 165 Mulberry Street in Newark, New Jersey. Delivering the commencement keynote address and receiving an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters will be outgoing Provost and Senior Executive Vice President Katia Passerini, Ph.D. The Baccalaureate Ceremony will be livestreamed, available on the University’s Commencement website.

Adorned in Pirate blue amidst pomp and circumstance, the University will graduate 1,380 students with Baccalaureate degrees, 791 with honors. In addition, 821 graduate students will receive master’s and doctorate degrees this commencement season, and 296 students will graduate from the School of Law.

Separate ceremonies will be held for the University’s graduate students, with details and locations for individual colleges and schools available on the Commencement website.

Cardinal Joseph William Tobin, C.Ss.R., archbishop of Newark and University chair, Board of Trustees and president, University Board of Regents, will deliver the Invocation to the Class of 2025.

Presenting the Charge to the graduates and their guests will be Monsignor Joseph R. Reilly, S.T.L., Ph.D., University president.

Provost Passerini to Address Class of 2025 as Baccalaureate Commencement Speaker
Highly motivated by Seton Hall's Catholic mission, Provost Passerini strengthened Seton Hall’s academic foundation, expanded global partnerships, and drove innovation and entrepreneurship, elevating the University in many ways since her arrival in June 2020.

In making the announcement, Monsignor Reilly, noted:

Born and raised in Italy, Provost Passerini has blazed a trail of personal and professional achievements on both sides of the Atlantic. She is an exemplar of the Seton Hall experience, having contributed to the success of our University while greatly benefiting from her time in our community. In her five years on campus, Katia has made us a far better University — more inquisitive, more scholarly, more international and more faithful. Her leadership as Interim President advanced Seton Hall in remarkable ways.  

Class of 2025 graduates have likewise discovered, learned, served and matured here. They came to us in the midst of COVID, demonstrating their willingness to "zet forward" in difficult circumstances. Their resilience helped elevate the University to its present eminence. Though Provost Passerini and the Class of 2025 are leaving campus — with Katia assuming the presidency of Gonzaga University and our graduates pursuing meaningful lives and careers around the world — their legacies here are assured.

Detailed information about Provost Passerini can be found on the Commencement website.

Valedictory Address
Students who achieved the highest GPA from each college and school were invited to participate in a process to select a valedictorian. These students were asked to write and deliver a commencement address reflecting on the meaning of their Seton Hall experience and how it has led to a special vision for the future. From this process, a student to give the valedictory address was chosen, as well as one alternate.

The Valedictory Address will be delivered by Erin E. Barno of Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, a double major in Chemistry and Religion from the College of Arts and Sciences and a member of the University Honors Program.

During her time at Seton Hall, Barno served as a teaching assistant and conducted research in the Murphy Lab within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She also held leadership roles as secretary and president of the Pre-Dental Society and was active in the Campus Ministry community, where she served as a student cantor for Sunday masses and other events. Barno is also a sister of Alpha Omicron Pi, where she has held four officer positions. 

Following graduation, Barno will pursue a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at Touro College of Dental Medicine, with plans to open a pediatric dental clinic that serves children with special needs.

Reflecting on her Seton Hall journey, Barno shared, “I’m leaving as a more confident, compassionate person — ready to serve others in my future career. I was mentored by professors who challenged and supported me, gained hands-on experience through research and teaching, and found meaningful community through the Honors Program, my sorority and campus ministry."

Selected as alternate speaker is Dev Chhabra of Ridgewood, New Jersey, graduating with a B.S. in Biology from the College of Arts and Sciences. At Seton Hall, Chhabra served as chaplain of Alpha Chi Rho, vice president of scholarship and community service for the Interfraternity Council and was a member of the Ethics Bowl team.

He conducted research on neonatal stroke, sickle cell disease and coronary tortuosity while volunteering in hospitals across Brooklyn and New Jersey. A National Merit Finalist, he has presented his research at prominent medical conferences and remains active in mentoring youth through the Arya Samaj of New Jersey. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in medicine, guided by a commitment to service, equity and meaningful human connection.

"My time at Seton Hall taught me that resilience is rarely a solo journey. From friends who helped me through my back injury to mentors who nurtured my passion for service, I’ve been surrounded by people who live Seton Hall’s mission. I’m grateful to represent the Class of 2025 and to carry those values forward in my path toward medicine,” noted Chhabra, expressing gratitude for his soon-to-be alma mater.

For additional details on Seton Hall’s 169th Baccalaureate Commencement and other Class of 2025 graduate ceremonies, please visit our commencement page.

#SetonHall2025
Graduating Pirates, show us how you’re celebrating! Share a favorite memory, a family gathering or that perfect cap-and-gown photo using #SetonHall2025 on social media before, during or after your ceremonies —  you just might see your moment featured on Seton Hall’s official channels!

Categories: Campus Life, Education