With summer on our doorstep and the 2024–25 academic year coming to a close, I’m reminded why this season holds such meaning.
I took the photo above from the podium before I conferred the baccalaureate degrees at Commencement. It captures a moment I’ll never forget. Looking out at our graduates and their families, I was struck by the joy, the pride, and the sheer scale of what Unity has become. This year, we reached two significant milestones that reflect our mission in action: Unity now serves more than 10,000 students across all programs, and we celebrated our largest graduating class in history with more than 1,000 extraordinary learners now Unity alumni. Sharing that milestone with them was, and continues to be, one of the greatest privileges of my life.
Read on for stories that reflect our growth, our resilience, and the bright future we’re building, together.
A History Making Commencement
In my 2025 Commencement Address, I had the honor of recognizing Unity’s largest graduating class, a powerful reflection of both our institutional momentum and the impact of our mission. I spoke to the unique story each graduate carried with them to that day, whether first-generation students, veterans, or working parents, and underscored what true access to education looks like at Unity. In a moment of reflection, I reminded those gathered that Unity graduates are not only ready for the world’s most pressing challenges but are already stepping into them. Whether through environmental fieldwork, policymaking, business strategy, healthcare, education, or global research, our graduates are leading with purpose, skill, and determination.
This balanced approach ensures that every conversation is more meaningful, as some learners can rely solely on Una for immediate answers, while others benefit from the combined efforts of both Una and our dedicated staff. It’s an exciting step forward as we work to redefine what it means to be a truly modern, environmentally conscious university.
“Go Forth and Fix the World”
Astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson urged our graduates to “go forth and fix the world,” reminding them that “you’re not handing the planet down to the next generation, you’re borrowing it from them, and you want them to be proud when they get it back.” He accepted an honorary doctorate in Sustainability Science and praised Unity for cultivating leaders who will “shift the awareness of people who otherwise think nothing of the environment.”
A Standout Voice from the Class of 2025
This year’s student speaker, Loma Jones, captured the hearts of all in attendance. A full-time marine biologist and entrepreneur, Loma earned her degree while running her own business thanks, in part, to the Nicholas Holt Challenge Scholarship and the flexibility of Unity’s online programs.
In a deeply personal moment, Loma shared that she hadn’t told her family she’d been chosen to speak at Commencement, wanting instead for the moment to speak for itself. Her journey captures what makes Unity different: accessible, purpose-built education that turns passion into impact. Click the image below to hear Loma reflect on what the Nicholas Holt Challenge Scholarship means to her.
$60 for 60 Years: Fuel the Future of Environmental Leadership
Loma’s story is not an anomaly, and, as Unity celebrates six decades of mission-driven education, our “$60 for 60 Years” campaign invites you to help shape the next 60. With one $60 gift at a time, you can open doors for the next Loma, the working parent, the first-generation college student, the field researcher turned founder, who, with the right support, becomes a scientist, strategist, or systems thinker shaping climate resilience from inside boardrooms, labs, and classrooms.
Commencement in the News
Below is a list of news articles that highlighted this year’s momentous occasion:
- Portland Press Herald: Unity Environmental University celebrates largest graduating class ever with Neil deGrasse Tyson
- WGME CBS 13: Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson to be commencement speaker at Unity Environmental University
- Spectrum News: Neil deGrasse Tyson, in Maine, tells graduates to ‘fix the world’
Unity Earns 2025-26 Military Friendly® School Designation
The Silver-level recognition follows a 17 percent jump in military-affiliated enrollment and affirms our commitment to flexible, affordable pathways for service members, veterans, and their families. Active military and veterans made up 12 percent of this year’s graduating class.
Five New “Psychology of Human Behavior and Change” Degrees Launch
Timed with Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we rolled out five bachelor’s programs that fuse ecopsychology, positive leadership, biophilic design, organizational sustainability, and cybernetic thinking, equipping students to drive planetary solutions that also advance human wellbeing.
Inside Higher Ed Highlights Unity’s Leadership on AI and Academic Integrity
In a new feature on AI and cheating, Inside Higher Ed cited my stance that “AI is not cheating; clinging to outdated assessment models is,” and pointed to Unity’s proactive syllabus updates and expert-designed courses as a national example.
(Photo courtesy of Sompong Tom/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Student Stories
Marine Science graduate student Hannah Murray is conducting her master’s thesis on the cognitive abilities of a 150-pound Goliath Grouper named Oscar at the Tarpon Aquarium in Florida. Her research recently caught the attention of FOX 13 News in Tampa, which featured her story in a televised segment highlighting her impressive work. Click the video above to watch and get ready to be impressed, but maybe we are just groupies — pun intended.
Alumni Spotlight: Gloria Sosa (1980) and Dr. Mark Alter (1969)
Gloria Sosa, a 1980 Environmental Science graduate, spent three decades at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency leading Superfund cleanups and championing environmental justice. Known for translating complex science into accessible language, she returned to Unity as a trustee in 2006, serving for 16 years. Gloria praises Unity’s evolution and its empowerment of countless people around the country and world. Read Gloria’s spotlight here.
Dr. Mark Alter, a member of Unity’s inaugural graduating class, has become a leading voice in inclusive education policy. Now a distinguished professor at NYU, he has advised governments, trained educators worldwide, and helped shape the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. His journey, from Unity’s early days of porch-based classes to global impact, reflects the transformative power of accessible, learner-centered education. Read Mark’s spotlight here.
Trivia Answer: Florida with 111 Unity 2024-2025 graduates.
Thank you for being a part of our vibrant network and for your dedication to making a positive impact on our world.
For our alumni, one of the most powerful ways you can help us grow is by sharing your story. By telling us about your experiences, achievements, and the paths you’ve taken since graduation, you inspire current students and fellow alumni alike. Tell us your story!
As always, please contact me at president@unity.edu, with any questions or comments you may have.
