Dean's Remarks To The Class Of 2025

Dear SLU Graduates, Class of 2025:

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and your families on reaching this milestone in your lives. We know how hard you have worked to get to this point and that is precisely why we celebrate today. Now you become part of the mighty, ever-growing group of graduates of the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies.

From our School’s beginning in 2018, CUNY’s Board of Trustees envisioned SLU as a unique institution with a diverse student body, including union members, community activists, committed and aspiring activists and leaders, and others with scholarly interests in public service and social justice. You are members of a very special cadre — people who want to advance their own knowledge and careers and make a difference in the world.

The graduates we celebrate today have risen to the challenges of this tumultuous time in our history. Your degrees reflect your dedication to enrichment despite — or because of — systemic racism and sexism, gross economic inequities, wars around the world, attacks on immigrants and LGBTQIA+ communities, and efforts to dismantle our democracy. We hope the education you’ve received at SLU has equipped you with the tools and confidence to show leadership in the fight for equality, peace and justice.

Each of you has an important role to play. I encourage you to hold on to your optimism, your passion for learning, and your dedication to making a difference. These are the very qualities that led you to SLU and will continue to drive you toward a life of purpose and significance. By embracing leadership and advocating for change, you will honor both this great University and our School, helping to build a better world.

I also want to encourage you to remain an active member of the SLU community. Continue your personal journey by continuing your education; participating in SLU’s public forums and conferences; staying in touch with faculty and fellow students; and helping others succeed academically by sharing your experiences. We are counting on you to play an ongoing part in SLU’s story.
My warmest congratulations and best wishes,

Gregory Mantsios, Ph.D.
Founding Dean
CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies

Commencement Ceremony Class of 2025 Program

SLU Alumni Association

We are enormously proud of our alumni, and whether it’s been two years or twenty-two years, we look forward to welcoming them back to their alma mater.
Are you an alumna of CUNY SLU or of the Joseph S. Murphy Institute (CUNY School of Professional Studies)? Whether you graduated two years ago or twenty two years ago, we want to hear from you! Join School Of Labor and Urban Studies Alumni Association

Career Services

CUNY SLU alumni may sign-up for one-on-one career and professional development sessions through SLU’s Office of Career Services. Get more information and to schedule an appointment with a Career Services Counselor.

Future Students

Are you interested in enrolling at CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies? Further your education at the CUNY SLU. With Bachelor’s, Master’s, and certificate programs in labor studies and urban studies, we prepares public service workers and social justice leaders for impactful careers.  Join the SLU community.

The Alumni Talk Event Series

The SLU Alumni Association hosts the Alumni Talks event series, as well as in-person and virtual networking events. Alumni are invited to host, facilitate, and plan upcoming events in the Alumni Talk series. Do you have a topic you would like to talk about? E-mail alumni@slu.cuny.edu

Donate

Support SLU students in their pursuit for knowledge and justice by donating to the SLU Foundation! The SLU Foundation will assist in developing, improving and increasing the school’s programs, resources, and facilities to enable it to provide more extensive educational and research opportunities and services.