SIT’s 59th commencement focused on “radical empathy” and the need to serve
August 13th, 2025 | School for International Training, SIT Graduate Institute
By Joanna Tanger
At School for International Training’s 59th commencement, the resounding message focused on the need to serve as 32 graduates earned their global master’s degrees and looked toward the future.
On the front lawn of SIT’s Brattleboro campus, overlooking the beautiful Green Mountains, more than 100 guests gathered to celebrate the students who earned degrees in diplomacy and international relations; climate change and sustainability; humanitarian assistance and crisis management; international education; sustainable development; and intercultural service. While the occasion was often festive—marked by the return of SIT’s chipmunk mascot, and an uplifting brass band—the speakers’ remarks implored the students to think deeply about the need to help others as they embark on their future endeavors.
Dr. Sonalini Sapra, assistant provost for academic affairs and faculty development, urged graduates to work together to build the kind of society they desire.
“You've proven you can master difficult material and solve complex problems. Now you get to decide what kind of society you want to help build, what kind of educated citizen you want to be,” she said. “The world needs what you've learned here at SIT. More than that, it needs people who understand that education creates responsibility—to keep learning, to speak up for what's right, and to work with others toward the democracy we all deserve.”
SIT President Dr. Sophia Howlett encouraged graduates to “serve for the common good” in the global community. “So, what then does service for the common good mean? It is an affirmation, a stepping forward, it is saying ‘yes’ when a situation, a group, or an individual asks for help. I would suggest to you that once you have stepped up, stepped forward, stepped in, what you do next is not what you want, but what is needed, what is necessary.”
Larry Cooley, keynote speaker and former chair of the World Learning Board of Trustees, mentioned that despite increasing hardship for many in the U.S. and around the world, the present situation might open a window of opportunity.
“The rebuilding that’s going to be needed is not only at the highest levels. Rebuilding is also required at the community and interpersonal levels where we need to overcome today’s intense polarization and find new ways to listen to one another, to celebrate our common humanity, and to work collaboratively,” Cooley said. Cooley is the founder and president emeritus of Management Systems International, an international development consulting firm and an alum of the International Honors Program, SIT’s comparative multi-country program.
He stressed that the graduating class now has the distinct ability to “see things from perspectives other than your own” thanks to their SIT education. “Radical empathy is your superpower. And that I believe will be needed to fashion solutions.”
Graduate Esmeralda Torres Martínez, who earned her master’s in climate change and global sustainability, delivered the student address. She noted the surprises, joys, and challenges she and her classmates experienced before encouraging them to stay focused on helping others.
"New friends, new networks, and new ways of looking at and solving problems based on different worldviews. I don't know about you, but I was mesmerized by how I could sit down with people from another country, barely speak their language and somehow, as the time passed, laughter would erupt between us…After our period of growth at SIT, I hope that when we are confronted with dilemmas, our education, resilience, and listening ability guide our compass to what is best for the collective,” said Torres Martínez.
Darin Smith-Gaddis, SIT’s senior director of university relations and strategic outreach, concluded the program’s remarks by welcoming the graduates into SIT’s extensive global network of alumni. “This alumni community is a vibrant and growing network of changemakers from all parts of the globe. When I meet someone on a plane, or at a conference, or at a community event, and they are doing something good in the world, more often than not, they are an SIT or World Learning alum.”
Students in SIT’s global master’s programs study and do their research at our international learning centers. Flags from around the world adorned the stage’s backdrop, representing the countries where students were from and the countries where learning centers are based. The ceremony ended with a celebratory reception and photos taken with SIT’s chipmunk mascot.