Bunker Hill Community College Holds 51st Commencement Exercises, Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll Addresses Graduates
Friday, May 30, 2025
Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) held its 51st Commencement Exercises on Thursday at the MGM Music Hall in Boston, with Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addressing graduates as keynote speaker.
Bunker Hill Community College is the largest of the 15 Community Colleges in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, serving approximately 16,000 students per year, including more than 700 international students from 94 countries, speaking more than 75 languages.
About the Class of 2025:
- 1180 total students
- 450 received Associate of Arts degrees
- 617 received Associate of Science degrees
- 113 received certificates
- 30 graduates were Veterans, Military Personnel, and family members
- 166 received honors with a GPA of 3.3 or higher
- 385 received high honors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- 148 received highest honors with a GPA of 3.9 or higher
- 19 received more than one degree
- 9 graduates in 2025 received an associate degree earned through BHCC’s Early College programs—finishing high school already with one higher education credential
In her keynote speech, Driscoll reflected on her own story and told graduates that the Commonwealth needs them to succeed. “I’m not just here to encourage you. I’m here to say: we need you! We need your talent, heart and drive; your joy, your culture, your commitment to learning new skills and seizing new opportunities. So don’t ever think you can’t make a difference in the direction our country is going in. You’ve already proven you have what it takes.”
BHCC President Pam Y. Eddinger presided over the ceremony and thanked graduates, families, as well as faculty and staff of the College for their work. “On this most joyous day, at every turn, I am reminded of my gratitude for all of you. For our faculty and staff, for the family, supporters and friends who ignite and fuel the students’ world of learning. For the students, who nurture that spark of curiosity and rise to their potential.”
Student Government Association President Ariel Gustowski also addressed the graduating class and more than 4,000 friends, family and supporters gathered at the MGM Music Hall in Boston. Gustowski, who is a member of the Class of 2025, urged her peers to think to the future: “In this next chapter to come, I’d like to ask for you to start to think about what you want to see happening in your life, what you want to achieve. You don’t need to know how or when right now,” she said. “But as we believe, work hard, and show up for ourselves, our families, and our communities… the world has a way of making those dreams come true.”
Professor of Biology Paul Kasili addressed the commencement on behalf of the faculty and professional staff. He exhorted graduates to use their education to make a positive impact: “Graduating class of 2025, as you move forward, remember that you are equipped with the tools to face the future. Use your knowledge, skills, and experiences to make a positive impact on your families, communities, and the world.”
President Eddinger presented the President’s Leadership Award to two members of the graduating class, Javkhlan Batsaikhan and Noah Cox. These students were also named to the 2025 All-Massachusetts Academic Team and recognized during a ceremony on May 9 at the State House. In addition, they have both been selected as members of the 2025 All-USA Academic Team.
Congratulations to all BHCC graduates!
To view more photos from the ceremony, view our Facebook album.