BU MET’s 2025 Commencement a Day for Inspiration
At Boston University, there’s no more exciting time of the year than Commencement, when the community gathers to fete the impressive academic accomplishments of the year’s graduating class. All around Agganis Arena on Saturday, May 17, 2025, pride beamed—from family, friends, faculty, and most of all from the Metropolitan College students who on this day were newly minted as Boston University alumni.
“We are here today, all of us, for one single reason: to congratulate, celebrate, and honor this year’s graduates,” said MET Dean Tanya Zlateva, as she called the Convocation to order. “Arriving at this moment took no small measure of courage and confidence. Demands were made, as were countless tough decisions.”
For their many sacrifices, Dean Zlateva explained—including their navigation of the challenges of balancing work, home, and a college degree program—these proud MET students earned rewards that include “a bright future ahead, a degree from one of the best universities in the world, [and] an abundance of character.”
With their studies behind them and diplomas now earned, Dean Zlateva suggested to the former students that they are now prepared to serve as educated mentors and leaders, and even have a responsibility to do so. “The value of your education,” she suggested, “will not be measured solely by your personal success, but by how you use your knowledge. How you uplift others. To mentor, to innovate, to advocate, and to lead with integrity. Give credit before you take it. Never stop listening. And never stop learning.”
Congratulations to Student Award Winners
The ceremony honored Metropolitan College’s distinguished undergraduate and graduate students for outstanding academic achievement, commitment to education, and exceptional personal integrity. Nominated by the faculty in their program of study and announced during the ceremony, each recipient took to the stage to accept their award and pose for a picture with their program chair or director. See the list of award winners.
Roger Deveau Part-Time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching
The 2025 Roger Deveau Part-Time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented by Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Lou Chitkushev. This year’s honor went to Mr. Michael Cipriano, of the Department of Administrative Sciences.
“Part of the Boston University community for over three decades, Mike currently teaches the course Project Management (MET AD 642)—a cornerstone of our master’s program,” said Dr. Chitkushev. “He brings remarkable energy and real-world insight to the classroom, demonstrating a powerful blend of academic rigor, industry leadership, and genuine commitment to his students.”
Cipriano has distinguished himself with his commitment to mentorship: everything from offering career advice, to helping build a professional network, to simply lending an empathetic ear.
“In the words of one student, he encourages ‘the freedom to imagine,’” said Dr. Chitkushev. “And when he’s not teaching, Mike is supporting the Project Management Club, speaking at the Project Management in Practice conference, and championing student success every step of the way.
“In short, Mike is a dedicated educator and mentor whose passion for teaching leaves a lasting legacy,” Dr. Chitkushev concluded.
Distinguished Alumni Award for Service to Alma Mater: Convocation Speaker
The day’s featured speaker was Michael McCabe (MET’87,87), a former managing director of data analytics at Deloitte Financial Advisory Services, who also established MET’s Academic Program Development & Innovation Fund.
“We are proud to claim Mike as a member of the MET community,” Dean Zlateva said as she awarded him the Distinguished Alumni Award for Service to Alma Mater, adding, “Mike is a shining example of where a MET education can take you.”
Indeed, his expansive career has taken McCabe into some of the most demanding and complex areas of financial consulting. Still, he’s remained generous in sharing his perspective and time, serving as the inaugural chair of the MET Dean’s Advisory Board, where he today holds the title of Chair Emeritus.
Calling the graduates, “resilient” and “resourceful,” McCabe noted they might also have been a bit sleep deprived. “You made it,” he lauded. “You didn’t just earn a degree—you earned bragging rights, caffeine tolerance, and a lifetime supply of character. You deserve these degrees, and probably a nap.”
McCabe told his own MET story, joining the College as a part-time student after earning his first degree elsewhere. He related his experience to the graduating class, imploring them to maintain their connection to the school. He’s remained connected to BU MET for four decades, not only attending the school but also hiring alums to work at his firm. “I’ve collected awards, worked with great deans, and stayed close to this remarkable institution,” he said. “Apparently, I can’t escape this place!”
Mr. McCabe then implored the graduating body to take a moment to look around the arena and recognize and appreciate the support groups that made their success possible, calling on those able to stand and applause. He reminded the audience to value resilience, and pointed out four keys to standing out above the crowd: reliability, organization, openness to challenges, and adaptability, outlining the importance of each.
“Reliable people show up, especially when it’s hard,” he said. “They can be counted on over time, not just in the moment. Organized people get more done … Whether in life or work, having a plan matters.
“Don’t fear failure or change,” McCabe said of the importance of being open to challenges. “See every experience, win or lose, as a learning opportunity,” adding that the essence of adaptability is not quitting and changing course, but rather that “it can also be about finding a better path within your current situation.”
Adaptability will prove key to graduates’ success, McCabe theorized, forecasting the greatest challenge they will face. “In your lifetime, the force to reckon with will be AI. Don’t fear it—embrace it,” he said. “Learn to harness it so it magnifies your strengths, not replaces them.”
As he wound down his remarks, Mr. McCabe charged the graduating class with a simple task: to look around and consider all the other graduates, faculty, alumni, and BU connections. “How can they help you in the future?” he asked. “How can you help them? It’s a two-way street.” Networking, helping each other, is vital to achieving the greatest returns on a degree, McCabe remarked. “Opportunities often come from relationships.”
It’s a lesson McCabe more than suggests—it’s one he exemplifies. After all, he’s kept himself listed in the BU directory for many years, making a point to take every call he receives from members of the BU community seeking help, offering what assistance and guidance he could. “I was happy to offer my time and insights,” he said. “I closed every conversation with one of the students the same way. I would say, ‘Do this for someone else someday. Take the call—I took yours.’”
Echoing that refrain was Michael McCabe’s ultimate word of wisdom—that 2025’s BU MET graduates should both make the calls that can better their circumstances and also receive and honor that goodwill by returning it when future students come calling. He reminded graduates that while their studying days at BU were done, their time as a proud and connected BU alum was only just beginning.
With their final lessons at Metropolitan College learned, the scarlet robe-garbed graduates were ready to exit the arena and celebrate their achievements with loved ones.
A Photo Finish
The ceremony concluded with a reception at the Four-Court Gym in BU’s Fitness & Recreation Center. Graduates congregated with family and friends, socialized with faculty, and posed for celebratory portraits in the MET Photo Booth. It was a warm conclusion, as MET welcomed its graduates to the BU MET alumni community.
For more highlights from MET’s Convocation Ceremony, watch the videos below.
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