University Bestows Honorary Degree on Keynote Speaker, Congressman Ritchie Torres

Touro University graduated nearly 600 students last Sunday at the 51st Annual Commencement Exercises, held at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center. It was a day to celebrate the individual and collective achievements of the graduates and offer hope for the future.

In his message to the graduates, Touro University President Dr. Alan Kadish shared his insight on the need to tap into two traits that have long characterized Jewish tradition–adaptability and resilience. “You have faced COVID, a rise in antisemitism and the meteoric growth of new technology. Yet, you’ve all made it here today and that shows you are able to adapt to changes around you and that you are resilient and able to stand strong and rise to myriad challenges,” said Dr. Kadish.

“While the world may seem bleak today, pessimism is not a Jewish trait,” continued Kadish, quoting one of his own teachers. “I have full confidence that the future will be bright and I look forward to seeing what each of you will accomplish. Wherever life takes you, you’ll always be part of the Touro family. We are all here to support each other and now more than ever, we are counting on you–the 2025 graduates– to create a hopeful future.”

Numerous awards were presented for community service as well as high academic achievement in math, accounting, biology, finance, psychology, computer science, political science and more.

 Speaking Up for Truth and Morality and Against Antisemitism

Congressman Ritchie Torres received an honorary degree and served as keynote speaker. He shared his views on the critical need to stand up for truth, justice and morality in today’s world. He also urged graduates to infuse their lives with gratitude.

“One of the greatest honors of my life is to receive a degree from an institution I truly respect. Not every university lives up to the ‘higher’ in higher ed. Touro is an institution that does take that seriously. As a lifelong learner who considers words the most powerful forces on earth, I know they can create but we’ve also learned from our post October 7 world that words can also destroy. Words can be used to spread lies and incite hatred that hardens into violence and terror. Since October 7, we’ve seen the creation of an alternate reality. Evil has become good, wrong has become right and antisemitic terror has become resistance,” said Torres.

 “In this age of lies and libel, we have no greater obligation than to speak the truth with moral clarity and courage. That is the burden that has been conferred upon you by your Touro education. We cannot remain silent, we must stand up and be revolutionary truth-tellers in a world of lies against the Jewish people and the Jewish state. In that effort, you will have in me a lifelong friend and ally.”

 Torres also shared his thoughts on the virtues of gratitude. “Being grateful is not merely an emotion, it is a way of life, a way of viewing the world that has the power to transform how we experience life,” said Torres.

 “It is human nature to obsess about what is missing in our lives, rather than appreciate what is present. For me, gratitude is the ability to see clearly and value deeply the blessings in our lives. Be grateful for the love and support of family, friends and educators, and for the power of Jewish tradition. Its staying power is a gift and a miracle, its structure is a deep foundation for living a flourishing life. Graduates, make the most of the gift and harness it in service of building a better world. I am rooting for you and beyond that, I now stand with you as a new, but proud member of the Touro family,” continued Torres

Future is Bright for Touro Grads

The Touro graduates are headed for careers in top firms in technology, finance, accounting, cybersecurity and more. Many will enter graduate and professional schools in law, medicine, dentistry and psychology, where they have acceptance rates of over 95%. Others will pursue health science careers as physical and occupational therapists, physician assistants and pharmacists through Touro’s Integrated Honors Pathways.

One of the valedictorians, Rachelle Halpert of Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences, shared thoughts on the unique experience at Touro as well as encouragement to fellow students as they enter the next stage.

“I believe that Touro has fostered the best possible environment for me and my fellow graduates to thrive. Touro has developed in us an enthusiasm and ‘fire’ for learning, while at the same time providing a calm, serene atmosphere, giving us the time and space to succeed. For those willing to put in the effort, Touro gave us the opportunity to truly fulfill our potential. My fellow classmates, we’ve faced deadlines, long nights and hard choices and we’ve made it here. We’re not just prepared for the future we’re part of shaping it. The world is waiting!” said Halpert.

 Other valedictorians included Yedidya Diena of Touro’s Lander College for Men who is planning for a future as a wealth manager, Rachel Hanan of Touro’s Lander College for Women The Anna Ruth and Mark Hasten School who is headed to Touro’s New York Medical College this fall and Michael Weingarten of Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences, who is gearing up for a career as a physician.