Roger Williams University Class of 2025 Urged to Embrace Discomfort, Pursue their Dreams and Careers with Purpose
'I became empowered in learning for the first time in my entire life,' Brauer told the Roger Williams University Class of 2025 during her Commencement keynote address on May 16. 'Yet the problem with empowering a student to learn? I craved so, so much more.'
That hunger for growth took her far from home to a college in Hawaii, where she took a leap of faith that would change her life. Reflecting on the pivotal moment that launched her sailing career, Brauer recalled the discomfort of stepping into unfamiliar territory after emailing the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa sailing team she had no connection to, asking to join.
'I could have stayed home. I could have not written that email,' Brauer said. 'These tiny little uncomfortable moments in college happened to be the start of a now 11-year career that has pushed me into some amazing moments, meeting some amazing humans, and seeing the world in a way that less than 200 people on this planet have ever experienced.'
In 2023, Brauer made history in the Global Solo Challenge, finishing second overall in the grueling 30,000-mile race and becoming only the eighth woman to complete it. At just 29 years old, she cracked a rib, administered her own IV to treat extreme dehydration, rounded the world's three Great Capes, an achievement that catapulted her to international recognition and inspired thousands of followers with her courage, skill, and determination.
From the deck of her racing boat to the stage at RWU, Brauer brought the audience on a journey across oceans and into the raw realities of chasing a dream. She spoke candidly about setbacks and uncertainty, about carving space for herself in a male-dominated field, and about the value of embracing discomfort.
'When you leave Roger Williams University and enter the world today – whether you have your first big job coming up or maybe you're moving back in with your parents like I did – things are about to change drastically,' she said. 'A restart. Restarts are good. They take us from our comfortable, familiar womb that we have created and challenge us to learn something new.'
She urged graduates to stay open, present, and driven by what they believe in. 'Whatever industry you walk, you will find that you have to cut your teeth in the beginning and maybe even the middle to get respect and earn your keep at the end. And it will be hard,' Brauer said. 'But fighting for something you believe in gives us purpose to wake up every day.'
RWU's Commencement ceremony celebrated its 1,269 graduates across undergraduate, graduate, and law programs, conferring 875 bachelor's degrees, 161 master's degrees, 165 law degrees, 72 associate degrees, and 14 certificates. Of the Class of 2025 undergraduates, 54 percent graduated with a double major or a minor added to their major, embodying the powerful combinations students make at RWU across academic degrees and credentials, internship, practicum and clinical experiences, and student leadership and involvement opportunities.
In his remarks, RWU President Ioannis N. Miaoulis urged graduates to chart a path fueled by conviction and to let their college experience inspire bold, forward-looking action.
'In a world that is constantly changing, a Roger Williams University education has prepared you with a real-world education,' Miaoulis said. 'Find a life passion and stick with it – one that will continuously define your purpose, fuel you with endless energy, and make a difference in the world.'
He encouraged graduates to embrace the complexity of the world by working across disciplines and perspectives, reminding them that lasting solutions are rarely found in isolation. 'Drawing from your interdisciplinary education, continue to seek collaboration with others to bring together a wide range of ideas, knowledge, and experiences to discover innovative solutions that one perspective alone cannot do as effectively,' he said. 'Now is your time to go forth with confidence and resolve and make your mark on the world.'
Undergraduate student speaker Jules Gerstner '25 encouraged the Class of 2025 to approach life with curiosity, resilience, and collaboration, drawing parallels between scientific experimentation and the college experience as she reflected on her journey as both a scientist and an artist.
'Today we leave the university with a degree, but more than that, we leave with the knowledge, connections, and confidence we have gained through the process,' said Gerstner, a Chemistry and Biology double major and Visual Artsminor from Carlisle, Penn., who will pursue her Ph.D. in chemical biology at Yale University this fall. 'The end of an experiment is not the end of the line. Whether we continue our education, join the workforce, or take time to explore new passions, we are now prepared to tackle new questions with the skills that we have just gained.'
As the graduate student speaker, Harrison Latimer '24, M'25 delivered a message of gratitude, self-discovery, and humor, drawing inspiration from three unlikely yet fitting role models: Kobe Bryant, Iron Man, and Jerry Seinfeld. From attending basketball camp on campus as a second grader to earning both his bachelor's and MBA through RWU's 4+1 MBA program, Latimer reflected on a journey of growth, both on the court and in the classroom.
'I love that this school made me a better person, even if you only saw me as a basketball player. I love that I was chosen to speak to you today, even though there are plenty of students here with higher GPAs and better résumés,' said Latimer of Providence, R.I. 'And most importantly, I love the way that Roger Williams gave me a home, even though it's time to say goodbye.'
Encouraging his fellow graduates to embrace risk and pursue what they care about, Latimer reminded them that the path forward may not be linear, but it should be meaningful, and challenged them to chase what they love, no matter how unconventional. 'Be proud of your effort. Be proud of what you care about,' he said. 'Because at 50, if you wake up and realize you procrastinated your whole life – that you waited too long to chase what you love – that kind of regret will hit harder than any late assignment ever could.'
RWU Board of Trustees Chair Heather Boujoulian, a 1997 graduate of the School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management and Managing Director and Head of Development at Berkshire Residential Investments, expressed her deep confidence in graduates' ability to thrive as they take the next step in their careers.
'Now is the time to dive deeper – into knowledge, into the questions, into the ideas that light the fire inside you and shape the world. Now is the time to soar higher – lifting your sight beyond what is easy or expected, daring to imagine what has never been seen before,' said Boujoulian. 'Embrace any uncertainty for the unknown, but above all, feel a strong readiness for what the future may hold.'
In her remarks, Boujoulian celebrated a wide range of accomplishments that exemplify RWU's distinctive blend of academic excellence and hands-on learning. From inspiring young learners through STEM outreach to shaping coastal policy with environmental research, she emphasized how these real-world projects and classroom experiences have molded a generation of thoughtful leaders, innovative problem-solvers, and community builders.
'As you leave here today with your degrees, remember that you carry the Roger Williams name with you and the values that anchor our institution,' Boujoulian said, 'You will tell your story with the knowledge, compassion, and courage you've gained at Roger Williams University to lead movements, spark innovation, heal communities, and lift humanity higher.'
Welcoming the new graduates to the RWU Alumni Association, Walter Ramos '83 reflected on the unexpected twists and defining moments that shaped his path from a Hawk to President and CEO of Rogerson Communities. Sharing his personal story of loss, perseverance, support, and mentorship, Ramos credited Roger Williams with helping him find clarity and direction during a time of family challenges. 'Roger Williams University was there for me at a time when I could not see and find that path for myself,' he said.
Ramos encouraged graduates to embrace their own journeys with resilience, to ask for help when needed, and to offer that same support to future generations of RWU students. 'The road to your purpose in life will always come with unexpected turns and challenges. Never give up,' he said. 'And when you've reached that pinnacle in your career and your life, remember to help others so that they can get there too.'
At the School of Law ceremony, retired South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newman, whose distinguished judicial career was shaped by a commitment to justice and a personal journey that began in segregated South Carolina, delivered the law school Commencement address.
Newman reminded graduates that the rule of law is only as strong as those who defend it and urged them to pursue their legal careers with courage and conviction.
'Though times may be uncertain, the need for people like you is clear. Advocates, critical thinkers, and people who believe in the rule of law have always made a difference,' Newman said. 'No matter what path you choose after today, the world will be a better place because of you and what you have to offer society. When you are guided by principle, your work matters, and your living will not be in vain.'
Law student speaker Ashley Kaplan L'25, of Sutton, Mass., brought humor, heart, and a healthy dose of legal wit to the podium as she reflected on the challenges and triumphs of law school and reminded her classmates to take a moment to appreciate how far they've come.
'I hope my fellow graduates take the time to celebrate this accomplishment,' she said. 'It was your strength, determination, and precision that led to today's success. Success is not finite, and this degree is only the beginning.'
During the university ceremony, RWU celebrated leaders across diverse fields, from offshore sailing and entrepreneurship to public safety and the judiciary. Honorary degrees were presented to Brauer, who served as the keynote speaker; Joseph Brito, Jr., a dedicated entrepreneur and community leader, and a trustee emeritus of the Roger Williams University Board of Trustees; Kevin Lynch, Chief of the Bristol Police Department, whose decades of service have advanced community-centered policing and an RWU graduate holding a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Master of Justice Studies; and the Honorable Clifton Newman, a distinguished Circuit Court judge whose unwavering commitment to justice and integrity has earned national recognition.
On behalf of the Faculty Senate, the university also presented awards to faculty members in recognition for outstanding and innovative teaching. The Excellence in Teaching Award was given to Li-Ling Yang, Professor of Science Education in the Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts, and Education. The School of Law Faculty of the Year Award was presented to Professor of Law Susan Heyman.
For the first time in its history, Roger Williams University conferred posthumous degrees to honor students who passed away before completing their studies. This year, RWU recognized Paul Arris, an Architecture major who died in 1990 with one semester remaining, and Nathaniel Trinidad, a third-year law student who died in 2024 while studying abroad. The Roger Williams University spirit is truly embodied in both Paul and Nate through their character, talent, and dedication to community.
PHOTOS & VIDEO: https://brandfolder.com/rwu/commencement2025
Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNBC
5 hours ago
- CNBC
31-year-old moved from the U.S. to Portugal and only works 20 hours a week: 'I'm much happier in Lisbon'
Roughly 10 years ago, Kaitlin Wichmann's life looked great on paper: The Kansas native had just graduated from college, was living in Los Angeles, had a full-time marketing job and enjoyed beautiful ocean views while working from her office in Santa Monica. But she wasn't happy. "Every day going into my job, parking in the same spot, going to the same desk, staring at the same wall — I was just like, 'There has to be more to life than this,'" Wichmann, now 31, tells CNBC Make It. It was a wakeup call that she was ready to ditch LA, and the U.S. for that matter, to become her own boss and travel the world. Now, Wichmann's days are very different: She lives Lisbon, Portugal, and is a freelance digital marketer helping American and Portuguese clients with their online advertising. She sets her own schedule (about 20 hours per week) and often works alongside friends at co-working spaces. Wichmann earns about $7,000 USD in a typical month, though her income can vary from $2,400 to $12,000 in a month. She says she earns more freelancing today than she did working for an agency in LA. She spends her free time playing tennis and padel (which is similar to tennis and squash), taking Portuguese lessons, going to the beach and traveling. "I definitely feel happier and more at peace here," Wichmann says. Here's how she made the leap. Wichmann's interest in living abroad started when she was younger. She grew up in Manhattan, Kansas, with her parents and three siblings, and her family often hosted international exchange students. When Wichmann turned 18, she traveled overseas for the first time and stayed with former exchange students in Europe. She moved to LA for college and started her career there, until she realized she didn't want to work a 9-to-5 job at all."When you're just working that much, it just wasn't enjoyable for me," she says. "And I realized if I wanted to take a jump and leave a full-time job, I wouldn't be able to do that in Los Angeles." Wichmann started taking freelance marketing work while working full-time at an agency until she eventually had enough clients to make a modest living. With her own client book, she traded LA for digital nomad life and prioritized places with lower costs of living. She first moved to Bali, Indonesia, in 2019; then went on to Chiang Mai, Thailand; spent a few weeks in Vietnam; and then another two months in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She moved back to the U.S. and stayed in Kansas City during the Covid-19 pandemic, but by 2021 was ready to keep things moving again. Wichmann was researching places she wanted to live more long-term when she remembered a previous trip to Madeira, an island off the coast of Portugal. She decided Lisbon checked off the boxes of what she wanted in a new home: good weather, proximity to a beach, a large international community and a walkable city that centered healthy activity. Around the same time, Portugal was seeing a swell of digital nomads moving in, including from the U.S. More than 714,000 foreigners made up 7% of Portugal's population in 2021, a new high, according to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service. Wichmann completed the application for her D7 passive income visa remotely under strict Covid guidelines: She submitted her fingerprints, opened a Portuguese bank account with 10,000 euros (about $11,600), got a tax number and signed a lease on an apartment. The visa allowed her four months to get started in Portugal, and once she arrived, she applied for residency for a two-year stay. Wichmann renewed her visa in 2023, giving her another three years of residency. (Portugal launched a separate D8 visa for digital nomads in October 2022.) Wichmann's housing arrangements have run the gamut in Lisbon: First, she stayed in a co-living space, then she subleased short-term rooms in different apartments before she found an apartment of her own. She signed a three-year lease. The biggest culture shock was learning the local language. "I immediately took classes at a university to learn Portuguese," Wichmann says, then started taking private lessons and now works one-on-one with a teacher. She books packs of five 60-minute lessons for about $71, or five 30-minute lessons for $50 as needed. "I feel like that's what's really helped me improve and what's made me a lot more confident in my speaking skills," she says. Here's how Wichmann spent her money in June 2025. Wichmann says she chose the neighborhood she lives in because it's walkable and not too far from the downtown area of Lisbon, which has plenty of restaurants, cafes and other activities. She typically uses public transit and buys a monthly unlimited pass for 30 euros, or about $35, but opted to go a la carte in June since she was away traveling. Wichmann spent time in England in June visiting her boyfriend, Henry Breheny, 31, whom she met in college in LA. They trade off visiting one another every month or so and also travel around the world together. Most of Wichmann's June discretionary spending went toward her England trip, as well as booking future travel and treating herself to a pool cabana to celebrate her birthday. She typically pays about $34 per month for about 10 hours of time at co-working spaces, but in June booked herself a three-day pass at a new place for just under $100. As a freelancer with unpredictable income, Wichmann aims to pay herself $3,000 a month, enough to cover her basic expenses, before dedicating the rest to her student loan payments, savings and investments. She has a six-month emergency fund and over $200,000 in retirement and other investment accounts. Wichmann is intentional with her work schedule so she has ample time and energy to enrich her personal life. "A lot of people are like, 'Wow, you have so much free time!' But I really fill those other hours with passion projects," she says. She's recently taken up tennis again after playing it when she was younger, and dedicates a portion of her budget to spending on gear, lessons and a club membership. Wichmann also plays padel for extra activity and social time. Wichmann says getting involved in recreational sports has been a big boost to her social life. She's made friends through Meetup, Facebook groups and different sports clubs. "Everyone that I've met here is very healthy, very outdoorsy," Wichmann says. "People just want to live a very active and fulfilled life, and I find that very inspiring." If there's one thing Wichmann misses about the comforts of home in the U.S., "it's how quickly you can get anything that you want delivered to your doorstep," she says. But it's a small adjustment she's happy to make. Ultimately, she sees herself in Portugal for the long-term. "When I moved to Lisbon, Portugal, my plan was to live here at least five years and then decide where I wanted to go after that," Wichmann says. But for now, "I don't see myself moving anywhere else, at least outside of Portugal. I just really like it here." She says her financial goals are modest: She wants to be able to pay her bills and maybe one day buy a house in Portugal with her boyfriend. As for her career, Wichmann sees her job as a means to living a more fulfilling life. "When I was living in Los Angeles, pretty much my life revolved around work," she says. Now, "my life revolves around my life with work scattered in." "I want to show people that there's a way of working that isn't a traditional 9-to-5," she says, "and to inspire people that they can live life to the fullest."
Business Wire
6 hours ago
- Business Wire
Summer's Hottest Wheels: EconomyBookings.com Reveals What Americans Are Driving this Sun Soaked Season
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--If it feels like everyone you know is either at the airport or behind the wheel this summer — you're not imagining it. Road trips are having another big moment in 2025, and travelers are getting savvy with their car rental choices, according to new booking trends from one of the fastest-growing car rental platforms in the world. Summer trends in American rental cars Share The summer snapshot shows that Americans are leaning into comfort, flexibility, and a touch of practicality when hitting the road. The Toyota Corolla leads as the most rented car model this year, followed closely by the Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Jetta — a slight shift from last summer, when the RAV4 held the top spot. SUVs, full-size, and midsize vehicles remain the go-to classes for travelers across the board. 'Americans want cars that can keep up with their summer,' says Alen Baibekov, CEO of which is part of The Booking Group Corporation. 'That means roomy enough for bags and friends, reliable for long drives, and fuel-efficient enough that they don't regret choosing the open road.' The data backs him up: The most popular rental locations this summer are Denver International Airport, LAX, and Orlando International Airport — all hubs for adventure-bound tourists. That's a slight change from 2024, when Orlando took the top spot ahead of Denver and L.A., suggesting a growing interest in national parks, road trip loops, and cooler mountain destinations. So what else are travelers adding on? The top extra options for the past two summers have stayed the same: Full Coverage, Roadside Assistance, and Last-Minute Cancellation, all offered directly through Another crowd favorite is Additional Driver, which allows travel partners to split time behind the wheel (and the playlists). And if you think everyone is gone for the weekend, you'd be wrong. The average rental length is a full 7 days, with registered users tacking on an extra day on average. That means travelers are using their vacation time (finally), and not just for quick escapes. With bookings showing no signs of slowing, expects the road trip trend to keep rolling well into fall. 'Summer travel is no longer just about flights and hotels,' says Baibekov. 'It's about freedom, discovery, and the thrill of the road. We're seeing people plan smarter, drive further, and make the journey part of the adventure.' So whether you're headed to the Rockies, the Pacific Coast Highway, or a Disney resort, expect to see plenty of RAV4s, Corollas, and Jettas on the highway — each packed with coolers, playlists, and memories in the making.
Business Insider
9 hours ago
- Business Insider
Budget airline Norse is axing half its US to Europe routes, making cheap Transatlantic travel more difficult
If you want a cheap flight to Europe, you're going to have to look a little harder after Norse Atlantic Airways cut half of its US routes. In October, the budget airline — which is popular with American tourists coming to Europe — will stop a number of key routes from the US, data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows. It will then cut further routes in November. The routes being cut include: Los Angeles to Athens, Greece Miami to London New York to Berlin New York to Oslo, Norway New York to Paris Los Angeles to Paris The cuts were first shared by X user @SeanM1997, who often reports on airline schedule changes. This could be a blow for travelers on a budget hoping to fly long-haul, as Norse can keep costs low with its no-frills offering. For next month, a one-way Norse flight from New York to Berlin starts at $149, compared to $335 with United Airlines. Like most budget airlines, Norse relies on add-ons to make money. In its second-quarter results, released on Tuesday, it said average revenue per passenger was $372 — 20% of which came from ancillary fees. The network change comes after Norse agreed to lease half of its fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners to IndiGo. The Indian airline is expected to operate the six planes by early next year. Leasing aircraft has become a key part of Norse's strategy as it has struggled to turn a profit. In the second quarter, it lost $6 million despite its flights being 97% full. It also said that there has been "some softness" in transatlantic travel this summer, one of the most competitive routes in aviation. That comes as Europeans have shown less interest in flying to the US since Donald Trump began his second term as president, while American fliers in particular are more willing to spend extra for premium experiences. Delta Air Lines reported that its revenue for coach tickets fell 5% in the second quarter, but rose 5% for premium cabins. Economic concerns over inflation and the impact of tariffs also mean the thriftiest spenders may cut back on travel completely. Plus, the dollar has lost 11% of its value against the euro since Trump took office, so Americans have less purchasing power on their trips across the Atlantic. Norse is instead seeing "strong demand" for flights to Asia and Africa in its winter schedule. Cirium data shows that in October, it will start flying to Bangkok from Oslo, Stockholm, and London, and to Cape Town from London.
