Undergraduate Convocation Student Speaker: Hibba Ahmed

Graduation Speech – Class of 2025

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Presidents, Dean, esteemed faculty, alumni, families, friends, and the incredible Class of
2025—

Today, we stand on the edge of possibility and new beginnings. This moment is not just aboutcelebrating our achievements, but about recognizing the journey that brought each of usere—the late nights, moments of doubt, and all of our victories, both big and small. None of us
have made it here today, alone. To our families who supported us, the professors who challengedus, and the friends who stood by us, thank you.

As soon to be graduates of the College of Social and Behavioral Science, we understand that our
world is shaped not just by policies and laws, but by people - by the choices we make and the
actions we take. And one of the greatest challenges our world faces today is the growing
disconnect between communities and institutions. We live in a time where trust in justice,
government, and even each other is eroding. The question we must ask ourselves is: How do we
rebuild?

The answer, I believe, lies in what we have learned here in our time at the University of
Utah—not just theories, or data, but the power of human connection. The College of Social and
Behavioral Sciences mission emphasizes the vital connection between disciplines, urging us
to understand that in times of shifting global economies, climate upheavals, and escalating
health crises, we need human-centered solutions.

And today, as we face a rapidly changing world, we are the ones equipped to connect the dots,
combining knowledge from diverse fields to tackle the complex issues of our time. Whether
we’re developing policies to address climate change, advocating for social justice, or shaping
economic systems, we know that the most effective solutions will come from our ability to unite
our disciplines and approach problems with unity.

The world we are stepping into is not waiting for us graduates to be ready. It demands action. It
demands courage. And it demands that we never remain on the sidelines. So, to my fellow
graduates: Let us be the generation that restores faith in institutions by leading with integrity. Let
us be the generation that strengthens communities by choosing unity over division. And let us be
the generation that does not observe the world as it is, but builds the world as it should be.
Graduates of the College of Social and Behavioral Science are visionaries, advocates, and
problem solvers. Our time here at the University Of Utah has given us knowledge, but more
importantly, it has given us responsibility. Today is the beginning of everything we have worked
so hard for.

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Congratulations, Class of 2025. The future is waiting - so let’s get to work.