SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine 鈥� 欧宝体育 (欧宝体育) celebrated its 78th Commencement on Sunday, May 18, honoring the Class of 2025 for their achievements, perseverance and contributions to the 欧宝体育 community.
During the ceremony at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, 1,149 graduates were awarded 1,246 degrees and certificates. The event brought together graduates, families, friends, faculty, and staff in a celebration of academic and personal accomplishment.
Graduates hail from across Maine, other New England states, and countries around the world. Many are continuing their education at four-year institutions, while others are entering Maine鈥檚 workforce in key industries such as health care, law enforcement, manufacturing, and creative services.
欧宝体育 President Kristen Miller reminded graduates that they are, and always will be, part of the 欧宝体育 family.
鈥淭oday, we celebrated not just your academic accomplishments, but the bright future you are capable of creating,鈥� Miller said. 鈥淎s you leave 欧宝体育, remember 鈥� you will always be a part of this community, a part of our family. And like any family, we hope you鈥檒l come back, visit often, and stay connected.鈥�
Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, founder and chief community officer of Portland Hearts of Pine, Maine鈥檚 first professional soccer team and featured speaker, encouraged graduates to embrace their potential and lead with purpose. 鈥淩ecognize it鈥檚 you who is the master of your fate, the captain of your soul. Go let your light shine. The community will be better for it. Maine will be better for it. The rest will take care of itself.鈥�
Maine Community College System President David Daigler acknowledged the graduates鈥� achievements while also emphasizing the extraordinary efforts of College employees who helped make their success possible.
鈥淓ach of these students, in one way or another, has benefitted from incredible support from faculty 鈥� full-time and adjunct alike 鈥� who invest their heart and soul to help students succeed,鈥� Daigler said. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e also been supported by hard-working teams in advising, registration, financial aid, TRIO, tutoring, facilities and so many others who show up every day to create a welcoming, supportive learning environment. This year was especially challenging, and I want to thank everyone who took on additional responsibilities and rose to the occasion.鈥�
Student Senate President Kristiana Cox delivered a message of urgency and self-belief to her fellow graduates, encouraging them not to wait to make an impact.
鈥淓ven though it鈥檚 important to sleep,鈥� Cox said with a smile, 鈥渄o not lay on your potential. Do not let it rest unused, waiting for some perfect moment or someone else鈥檚 permission. You are capable now 鈥� right now. The dreams you have, the ideas you carry, the change you want to see in the world 鈥� it all starts with you. Not tomorrow. Not someday. Today.鈥�
To view a replay of the ceremony, visit .
For a full photo gallery, visit 欧宝体育鈥檚 Flickr at
Visit for event video and to learn more information about our 2025 Commencement.