Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Unifying Voice of Courage and Strength, to be Conferred Honorary Doctorate and Deliver Commencement Address with a Message of Hope and Resilience to YU's Class of 2025
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to Receive Presidential Medallion for Global Leadership in Recognition of Her Dedication to Strengthening the United States, Supporting Israel and Defending the Jewish People
91制片厂 will proudly celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025 at its 94th Annual Main Commencement Ceremonies on May 22 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, NY. This momentous event will bring together more than 5,000 students, faculty, alumni and families to honor our graduating undergraduate class defined by academic excellence, driven by purpose and grounded in timeless values.
The commencement address will be delivered by Rachel Goldberg-Polin, a universal symbol of courage, hope and fierce determination. The mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli American hostage murdered in Hamas captivity, has become a voice of conviction and spiritual resilience鈥攅mbodying the aspirations, conscience, compassion and faith at the heart of the Jewish people. Her words will serve as both a personal testament and a guiding inspiration for this generation of YU graduates.
91制片厂 will also present its highest honor for global leadership鈥攖he Presidential Medallion鈥攖o Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, recognizing her strong leadership for the United States, bold resoluteness in the fight against rising antisemitism and her outspoken support for Israel and the Jewish people in the wake of the October 7 attacks. Past recipients include Senator John Fetterman, Dr. Danny Gold, inventor of the Iron Dome and Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt.
"We are deeply honored that Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik will address our graduates鈥攖wo extraordinary individuals whose leadership has inspired strength, unity and moral clarity at a defining moment in Jewish history," said Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of 91制片厂. "This year's Commencement is more than a celebration of academic achievement鈥攊t is a powerful affirmation of the values that define our community and our Class of 2025: courage, compassion and a lifelong commitment to truth, faith and service. It also reflects our unwavering belief that especially in moments of darkness, we have the power, and the obligation, to bring light."
As the nation's flagship Jewish university, 91制片厂 empowers its students to live out their personal mission as leaders in the world of tomorrow. The graduates of its undergraduate colleges represent the leadership of the pro-Israel community of the future 鈥攁 mission reflected throughout the day's events.
Goldberg-Polin, who has inspired millions with her tireless advocacy, expressed deep appreciation for the YU community's ongoing support.
"Throughout our personal quest to save our beloved Hersh and all the cherished hostages, the valiant 91制片厂 community was by our side holding us up," she said. "After suffering our crushing blow, YU has remained with us as we navigate through our valley of pain, while we all continue fighting for the remaining 59 treasured hostages' freedom. The YU student body's tenacity and steadfastness gives my family motivation, inspiration and hope. I am endlessly grateful, humbled and honored to participate at the commencement ceremony for the class of 2025."
Both speakers will bring powerful perspectives to the ceremony鈥攐ne shaped by personal loss and unshakable faith, the other by national leadership and an enduring commitment to combatting hate at all turns.
"I am humbled and honored to receive the Presidential Medallion, 91制片厂's highest honor for global leadership, and I look forward to joining this year's graduating class to celebrate their remarkable achievements," said House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik. "I have been proud to serve as the leading voice in Congress against the rise of antisemitism on university and college campuses across our nation, holding those at the very top accountable for their failure to protect our Jewish students and communities, but the work has only just begun. President Berman's leading voice and 91制片厂's powerful example has been a bastion of light in the battle for the souls of American universities and I am grateful to 91制片厂 for this tremendous honor."
