On Friday, May 16, 2025, New England Law | Boston celebrated the Class of 2025 at the law school’s 114th Commencement at the Boch Center Wang Theatre.
Following a bagpiper-led procession through downtown Boston, the ceremony began with a Boylston Brass Ensemble performance of the national anthem, after which Chairman of the Board of Trustees Albert A. Balboni ’83 called the ceremony to order. Reverend Nicholas A. Sannella led a brief invocation prayer.
Then, CEO and Dean James H. Kennedy III and Associate Dean Allison M. Dussias presented awards to a small group of outstanding students, including day division valedictorian Hayley R. Gervais ’25 and evening division valedictorian Kristina L. Lococo ’25.
In her valedictory speech, Gervais recalled standing up for her younger sister when they were children, promising to do the same for her future clients. She urged her fellow graduates to embrace their roles as “helpers and fighters” for those they represent.
Lococo, a journalist who took evening classes at New England Law, used much of her valedictory speech to praise her fellow part-time students. “Several of you are parents, partners, paralegals—and, to put it bluntly, just busy people. That’s been the reality of my experience at New England Law: meeting new people and being constantly impressed by how much they are able to juggle.”
Members of New England Law’s Board of Trustees presented honorary degrees to Rachelle G. Cohen, Assistant Editorial Page Editor at the Boston Globe; Joseph D. Early, Jr., District Attorney of Worcester County; and Edward F. Davis, President and CEO of The Edward Davis Company and former Police Commissioner of the City of Boston.
Later in the ceremony, Davis addressed the 321 graduates of the Class of 2025 with a speech that centered on the importance of relationships. “They say it’s not what you know but who you know—and I will tell you that it’s both,” said Davis. “The foundation that you have under you now, after what you have done for the last several years, establishes what you know. Who you know will be established by the path you take, the incredible versatility of your degree, and the respect you show for others as you come up through the ranks.”
Photos from the event are available here. A recording is available below.