2025 News 2025: Class of 2025 Student Commencement Speakers announced

Bee Greenberg, Gaspard Baye, Naomi Mwangi, and Jack Lovely to address their peers on the power of perseverance and achievement

Undergraduate & Graduate Student Ceremony I

Bee Greenberg - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Bee Greenberg is a computer science major and accomplished student-athlete from Mansfield, Massachusetts. Their passion for technology was ignited in fifth grade during a STEM workshop, leading to an enduring interest in coding. Upon arrival at UMass Dartmouth, Bee found mentorship in their former Track & Field team captain, who also was the founding president of an on-campus STEM group. This guidance was instrumental in helping Bee navigate their dual roles as an athlete and scholar and in connecting them with the LGBTQ+ STEM community on campus. ​

Bee has been actively involved in undergraduate research, collaborating with Professor Gokhan Kul on cybersecurity projects. While at UMassD, they have appreciated the opportunity to gain hands-on experience early in their academic journey, recognizing its value in securing future internships and professional roles. ​

In leadership capacities, Bee serves as the captain of the women's cross-country team and as vice president of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Through these roles, they strive to be a visible role model for women and LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM, understanding the importance of representation in encouraging underrepresented groups to pursue similar paths. Bee believes that visibility can inspire others to explore futures in STEM fields.

Doctoral Ceremony

Gaspard Baye - Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering and Applied Science

Gaspard Baye, originally from Cameroon, is a PhD candidate in Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Driven by a strong passion for cybersecurity and a vision to create a safer digital world, he came to the United States to further his academic journey. His path to UMass Dartmouth was inspired by his collaboration with ATR Cyber and a pivotal mentorship with Professor Lance Fiondella during an international research initiative.
Gaspard’s research focuses on leveraging deep learning and artificial intelligence to detect and mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities at machine speed. He has developed over seven novel AI algorithms for security, presented at top conferences, including DEFCON and IEEE, and has published more than 10 peer-reviewed papers with 80+ citations from industry leaders, including banks and research labs. His work has also earned him CVE recognition and Hall of Fame acknowledgments from companies like Nokia and Ford.
Beyond research, Gaspard served as President of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) at UMass Dartmouth during the 2022–2023 academic year. Under his leadership, the chapter increased professional development access at the national NSBE convention, where members engaged with 300+ companies and joined a network of over 10,000 engineers. He remains committed to empowering underrepresented communities in STEM and using AI to build resilient, inclusive technologies.

Undergraduate & Graduate Student Ceremony II

Naomi Mwangi - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Naomi Mwangi is a psychology major who is dedicated to advancing youth mental health. Having moved from Kenya to the United States, her mother recognized the transformative power of education and was committed to ensuring her daughter had every opportunity to succeed. 

Actively engaged on campus, Naomi serves as the president of Psi Chi, the international honor society for psychology, and as the events coordinator for Stemming While Black, a club supporting people of color in STEM fields. She also contributes as a peer mentor in the College of Arts & Sciences and works as a resident assistant, aiding fellow students in their educational paths. 

Naomi's commitment to research is exemplified by her participation in the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at Emory University. There, she investigated external factors influencing internalizing behaviors in Black children, aiming to raise awareness and reduce stigmas surrounding mental health in marginalized communities. She aspires to utilize her education and experiences to make a meaningful difference in the field of youth mental health.

UMass Law Ceremony

Jack M. Lovely - Juris Doctorate

Jack M. Lovely was born in Boston and raised in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Jack earned his B.S. in Business Marketing from Bridgewater State University and then worked at a Social Security Disability law firm in Boston, where he developed a passion for advocacy and committed to a career in law. At UMass Law, Jack participated in various extracurricular programs and student organizations. He served as a Staff Editor of the UMass Law Review, represented the school in the ABA Client Counseling Competition, and was an active member of groups such as the International Law Student Association, the Law Association Against Sexual Exploitation, the Legal Association of Women, and the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association. He also took part in UMass Law's inaugural Attorney General Clinic in the Gaming Enforcement Division as a SJC Rule 3:03 Certified Student Practitioner, gaining hands-on experience in public service. 

Jack is profoundly grateful for the support of his family, friends, and mentors throughout his law school journey. He credits his mother, Andrea, for nurturing his creativity and his father, Jeff, for inspiring his love of the law and honing his talent for good-natured debate around the dinner table. He also recognizes his brother, Matt, his sister, Devon, and his niece, Violet, for encouraging him to be courageous and teaching him how to hold his own in an argument. Jack is also thankful for his lifelong friends from Foxboro, whose loyalty and love helped him through the most challenging times. Jack extends special thanks to Professor James Freeley and Dean Julie Cahill for going above and beyond while supporting, mentoring, and guiding him. Jack is especially grateful to his UMass Law classmates for their camaraderie and strength during countless study sessions and difficult times. He is honored to serve as the student commencement speaker and to celebrate this milestone alongside the wonderful graduating class of 2025. After graduation, Jack plans to practice civil litigation at a law firm in Massachusetts, putting his advocacy skills to work in his home state.

Learn more about UMass Dartmouth's 2025 Commencement Ceremonies.