By Dave DeFusco
On May 27, the 342 graduate students crossing the stage in Zysman Hall鈥檚 Lamport Auditorium at the 2025 Commencement of the Katz School of Science and Health鈥攔epresenting the powerhouse programs in Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics and Visualization, Digital Marketing and Media, Mathematics and Physics鈥攚ere honored as innovators, builders and protectors in a world hungry for their expertise.
The Katz School鈥檚 Class of 2025 stood out not just for what they achieved, but for why they pursued it. That theme of purposeful innovation ran throughout the STEM commencement ceremony, echoed in remarks by university leaders, award recipients and alumni.
鈥淚n core Torah values, it鈥檚 not just that a person is holy and blessed,鈥 said President Ari Berman in his remarks, 鈥渂ut that they are called to share their blessings and be a blessing to others.鈥
He reminded the audience that science and technology alone are not the goal鈥攔ather, they are tools to uplift society.
鈥淭he purpose of our lives is to live a life of service and contribution so that filled with compassion, everyone is blessed by our presence,鈥 said President Berman. 鈥淲e don't just believe in progress and advancing science and technology for its own good. We believe in pairing progress with purpose and making a difference in the lives of others and in the world that we live today.鈥
That philosophy is a driving force behind the Katz School鈥檚 unique approach to graduate education, where hands-on research, ethical leadership and a deeply supportive community converge to prepare students for careers of consequence.
Dean Paul Russo emphasized that vision, noting that the past academic year saw Katz faculty and students present pioneering research aimed at improving lives and tackling global challenges. With 92% of Katz graduates employed within six months, the school鈥檚 mission is clearly taking root.
鈥淵ou stand for truth, reflected in your scholarship and applied in your practice,鈥 said Dean Russo. 鈥淵ou are champions of a life built on values, respecting the worth of every individual and their right to care and full participation in society. You are compassionate practitioners who bring your knowhow in science, technology and health to transform our world for the better.鈥
That commitment was exemplified by the recipients of the 2025 Katz School Award for Academic Excellence and Scholarly Achievement:
- Shiman Zhang, Artificial Intelligence
- Tara Ghafoori, Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship
- Loveth Odozor, Cybersecurity
- Yu Wang, Data Analytics and Visualization
- Nidia Machuca Cardozo, Digital Marketing and Media
- David Roth, Physics
The Award for Outstanding Community Contributions went to students who went above and beyond in building a vibrant, inclusive campus culture:
- Opeyemi Adebanke Ajayi, Digital Marketing and Media
- Loretta Ching鈥檃ndu, Digital Marketing and Media
- Tara Ghafoori, Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship
- Elton Muchenje, Digital Marketing and Media
- Sagarika Shrestha, Digital Marketing and Media
Opeyemi Adebanke Ajayi, a graduate of the M.S. in Digital Marketing and Media, delivered one of the most poignant moments of the ceremony. She shared how she arrived from Lagos, Nigeria, with her infant daughter, Tiffany, and a dream of earning a graduate degree in New York. She had no roots, no network鈥攋ust fierce determination and a baby depending on her. But what she found at the Katz School was more than an education.
鈥淭hey didn鈥檛 just see a struggling young mother; they saw me鈥攁 woman with a dream worth fighting for,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hey held Tiffany while I presented in class. They helped me carry her from one lecture to the next. One image I鈥檒l never forget is of Professor Panzarella arriving early before his Predictive Analytics class. He played with Tiffany with all the confidence of a great grandfather.鈥
Her story was a powerful reminder that academic excellence at the Katz School goes hand in hand with humanity, empathy and community.
Also taking the stage was Kevin Suckiel, a 2022 graduate of the M.S. in Cybersecurity and senior consultant at Optiv, who offered words of wisdom rooted in ancient tradition and modern purpose.
鈥淲hen I reflect on what I do for a living,鈥 he said, 鈥淚鈥檓 reminded of the ancient tradition of the night watch. Centuries ago, most people relied on a night watch to patrol the city walls, lanterns in hand, eyes alert for danger. Today, the cities are digital and adversaries are worldwide.鈥
He said the Katz School instilled in him a strong foundation in which he has leaned on professionally and sees further opportunity to build his skills and grow personally from.
鈥淢y Katz School education has prepared me to be a digital night watchman鈥攁lthough in my case, I don鈥檛 just guard the gates, I sneak through them first to make sure they鈥檙e locked,鈥 he said. 鈥淲hether you work in cybersecurity, run a business or simply use a smartphone, you鈥檙e part of our digital neighborhood watch. By staying vigilant together, we help keep the whole community safe.鈥
