When belief outweighs doubt: A commencement to remember

June 09, 2025 at 15:01 PM EDT

(BPT) - On Sunday, June 8, more than 2,000 graduates from DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management crossed the stage, marking the culmination of a journey defined not just by coursework and credentials but by belief - in their goals, their future and what's possible when determination outweighs doubt.

From military veterans and working parents to adult learners and first-generation students, the Class of 2025 represented a powerful spectrum of perseverance and purpose. The theme of the day - "when belief outweighs doubt" - came to life through the voices of those who stood at the podium and the stories of those seated in caps and gowns.

A student's journey, a message of resolve

For Keller graduate and student speaker Deven Williams, who addressed fellow graduates during the ceremony, the moment was about more than academic achievement - it was the fulfillment of a personal promise. A U.S. military veteran and Bronze Star recipient, Williams graduated with a master's degree in information systems management, maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout his program.

"Achieving anything at an elevated level demands sacrifice," Williams said. "After stepping away from academia for over a decade, I returned with enthusiasm and a clear goal: to become the best student I knew I was capable of being."

Williams credited his experience at Keller for reinforcing the importance of accountability, community and showing up - not just for himself but for others.

"The university's strong emphasis on participation reinforced the importance of active engagement in the learning process as a key driver of success," he added. "Much like the pursuit of any dream, achievement does not happen by chance; it requires intentional effort and a willingness to show up, take initiative and fully commit."

A keynote that moved the room

The ceremony's keynote speaker, Keller MBA alum and Team USA gold medal-winning Paralympian Jorge Sanchez, moved the audience with a message that was powerful and deeply personal. After sharing his journey through childhood cancer, amputation and the pursuit of athletic excellence, Sanchez closed his address with a deliberate and powerful gesture: He stood, offering graduates a symbol of strength and belief in what's next.

"I was told 'no' so many times," Sanchez said. "I was told I wouldn't survive cancer. I was told that I wasn't good enough for the team, and yet I kept going because I had people who believed in me. It's not about having it all figured out. It's about believing in the possibility of what's next and being bold enough to take that first step."

Sanchez, who earned his MBA from Keller while playing professional basketball in Spain, reminded the Class of 2025 that the road ahead may be unpredictable - but belief can carry you forward.

A community rooted in belief

The graduates' stories reflect DeVry's commitment to supporting learners at every stage of their academic journey and prepare them to succeed in careers shaped by technology.

"The Class of 2025 has shown what it truly means to persevere," said Elise Awwad, president and CEO of DeVry University. "Their stories reflect the power of belief in action - belief in themselves, in their future and in the communities that helped them rise. We are proud to have walked beside them, and we look ahead with confidence as they begin the next chapter of their journey.

As the cheers echoed through the ceremony hall and graduates turned their tassels, one thing was clear: belief - not doubt - defined the day. And for the DeVry and Keller Class of 2025, it will continue to shape their path forward.

Photo: Deven Williams, Keller Graduate School of Management graduate, speaks to fellow graduates during the 2025 commencement ceremony.

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When belief outweighs doubt: A commencement to remember

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