Growing up in Miami, James Kushlan’s fascination with the birds, alligators, manatees, and other exotic creatures that filled the South Florida waterways blossomed during a high school biology class. This realization would lead him to the University of Miami and define his life’s work: 50 years researching, writing, and establishing conservation programs for waterbird populations, wetlands, and endangered species.
A triple Cane, Kushlan returned to his alma mater to address the first of two graduate degree ceremonies at the Watsco Center on May 8. He urged graduates to look upon life challenges as opportunities and pathways, relying on the skills acquired at the University, and he reminded them of the importance of giving back.
“We need formally educated people with knowledge, skills, confidence, and boldness. People to find new ways of doing things. People like you,” Kushlan said. “You’ve learned to be critical, creative, to recognize nonsense, to innovate, to collaborate, and to adapt. You’ve learned how to swagger like a Cane, and you’ve learned how to learn—those skills and experiences will stay with you forever. … [And], I suspect philanthropy has helped you or your friends. Please, remember that and, when it’s your turn, give back.”
That afternoon, it was the turn of another triple Cane to encourage and inspire graduates. Susan Mullane, one of the first female divers who helped build the University of Miami’s swimming and diving program in the 1970s, stayed to help the University rise to become a world-class research institution.
Mullane is retiring this year after 43 years of working and teaching at the University, spending much of her research time focused on ethics in sports. She offered graduates leadership advice, emphasizing the importance of accountability and staying connected.
“Accountability cannot be treated like a baton—you can’t simply hand it off. But, if you are going to hand it off, make sure it gets where it’s going. That’s your responsibility,” she said. “Our great University of Miami has prepared you well. Never let this connection go and give back in whatever ways you can.”
On the following day, May 9, three undergraduate degree ceremonies encompassed nine schools and colleges and the Division of Continuing and International Education. The three distinguished alumni speakers urged graduates to be resilient, solve problems, and show their swagger.
Miami Herbert alumnus and attorney Irwin Raij, partner and co-chair of Entertainment, Sports, and Media at Sidley Austin, encouraged graduates at the morning ceremony to “show up” and embrace new experiences.
“Many of you will end up in jobs that we don’t even know exist. Many of you will fall in love with people you have yet to meet, but will build your lives around. All of you will have twists and turns in your career and in your lives,” Raij said. “And when that happens, lean into who you are. Don’t fear the pivots and the curves—they may be the best part of the journey. And when life gets hard, show up anyway. Be resilient, be genuine, and always speak from the heart.”
In the afternoon undergraduate ceremony, College of Engineering alumna Lila Snyder, CEO of Bose Corporation, recalled how doing what she loved—“solving really hard problems and being part of high-performing teams”—led to career success.
“Figure out what you love to do and build your career around that. You’ll spend most of your life working. You’ll enjoy it a lot more—and likely be much better at it—if you spend that time doing something you love to do,” Snyder said. “Be bold, take risks. Do things that you think you aren’t ready for. Raise your hand for a new project or accept a new assignment that you don’t already have figured out. Explore a new discipline because you are curious—you might discover a new dimension of what you love.”
Snyder also encouraged students to nurture their “inner swagger”—the combination of authenticity and confidence—a quality intrinsic to the University and embodied by the speaker at the evening ceremony.
Jonathan Vilma, three-time NFL Pro Bowler, Super Bowl champion, member of the Board of Trustees, and Miami Herbert alumnus, recounted for graduates the demanding workouts former Miami Hurricanes strength and conditioning coach Andreu Swasey subjected him to as a freshman. The workouts were so intense and physically draining that at one point, Vilma, who had always dreamed of playing football for the Miami Hurricanes, pondered trying to get out of his athletic scholarship.
Vilma came to realize that “this is the challenge I’ve been looking for. So, I kept going back every day,” telling graduates that all the hard work paid off in All-American honors and a national championship.
“I tell you that story because everybody has a Swasey,” Vilma said. “The Swasey in your story is the reason you’re here today. When you think about who brought the best out of you, especially the coaches or professors, it’s the first reason why this University is so great—our professors, our coaches, they have an unwavering, relentless drive to make sure that the standard of excellence is upheld at the University of Miami.”
Spring Commencement season concluded on May 10, when the School of Law and Miller School of Medicine held ceremonies at the Watsco Center. Graduates celebrated the culmination of years of legal or medical studies before embarking on the next chapters of their lives.
In the morning ceremony for the School of Law, speakers emphasized the importance of humility and moral leadership over merely striving to be a great lawyer, encouraging graduates to embrace their roles as leaders who should inspire trust, reflection, and a commitment to doing what is right in an increasingly complex world.
“Do not strive to be just a lawyer—not even a great lawyer,” said commencement speaker Dov Seidman, entrepreneur, author, and founder and chairman of The HOW Institute for Society and LRN. “Instead, strive to become a great leader who practices law.”
“Like happiness, if you pursue professional success directly, it will, today, increasingly elude you," he continued. “But when you pursue significance by serving others, success tends to find you. There's a profound difference between doing something in order to succeed, and doing something and succeeding.”
Later that day, graduates of the Miller School took the next step on the journey begun when they donned their white coats for the first time. In doing so, they heard from one of the most influential voices in academic medicine. Elena Fuentes-Afflick, M.D., M.P.H., chief scientific officer of the Association of American Medical Colleges and an honorary degree recipient, shared her perspective and advice for the newly minted physicians.
“Each of you has acquired deep knowledge. and I’m confident that you’re ready for the next step in your training. However, you still have a lot to learn and I encourage you to approach your career with humility,” Dr. Fuentes-Afflick said. “My wish is that you are honored for your service, respected for your knowledge, and admired for your integrity.”
