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Collage of Bentley Class of 2025 students at Undergraduate Commencement celebration

As Bentley’s undergraduate Class of 2025 celebrated their college milestone during the commencement ceremony, many got reflective on social media.  

Posts were as diverse as their experiences. Gratitude for family. Heartfelt messages to professors and mentors. Forged friendships. Unexpected lessons inside and outside of the classroom — on the athletic fields, studying abroad and amplifying voices through student organizations and programs like the Bentley Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Center and Center for Women and Business 

Read on for more from the Class of 2025 and the moments that shaped them along the way. 

Marina Bernardes ’25

Majors: Marketing and Global Sustainability

Minor: Experience Design

To say I’m grateful is an understatement. I’m so thankful for the amazing friends I met along the way and the support system I built, which carried me through every challenge and triumph. A heartfelt thank you to my family, especially my mom, for always believing in my dreams and cheering me on — even from thousands of miles away. 
 
As an international student from Brazil, this journey wasn’t always easy — but every obstacle taught me strength, adaptability, and resilience. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited to see what’s next!

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Marina Bernardes ’25 wearing a white dress and maroon Alpha Phi sash to celebrate her Bentley graduation
Emily Birtwell '25 wearing a graduation cap and gown and holding her Bentley diploma

Emily Birtwell ’25

Major: Finance 

Concentration: Capital Markets

My time at Bentley has been filled with valuable lessons, incredible mentors, and unforgettable experiences that have shaped who I am — both personally and professionally. As I close this chapter, I’m excited to begin the next one by pursing a Master’s in Finance degree, while also starting my full-time role at Skyeburst Wealth Management.”

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Nicole Carella ’25

Major: Accounting

Minor: Computer Information Systems

I am very grateful to my friends, family and professors who have helped guide me through the past four years of professional milestones, academic challenges and personal growth. Thank you for providing me with unwavering support, encouragement and wisdom every step of the way.

My academic journey continues as I will begin studying for the CPA exam this summer, before starting full-time at PwC as an Audit Associate.

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Nicole Carella '25 wearing her graduation cap and gown in front of the Bentley University sign on campus with a 2025 sign in the background
Marie Andrée Tarot Castañeda '25 holds her Bentley diploma and a graduation teddy bear with the Commencement stage in the background

Marie Andrée Tarot Castañeda ’25

Major: Finance

Minor: Computer Information Systems

Studying in the United States was always my dad’s dream. He wasn’t able to do it himself and I’m proud to be carrying this dream for him. 

Thank you Bentley University for giving me the best four years of my life. For teaching me that family also comes from friendship, that opportunities come to those who give more than 100% to achieve them, that knowledge is one of the best assets you can have, and for becoming my home away from home. Thank you for believing in me.

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Dairis Feliz ’25

Major: Accounting

Minor: Cybersecurity

Four years of hard work, dedication and growth culminated in this moment, and I’m so grateful to share that I finally made it.

I’d like to give a special thank you to my family, friends and professors for their continued support, guidance and inspiration. I truly couldn’t have done it without you all.

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Dairis Feliz '25 holds her Bentley diploma and bouquet of flowers with the Commencement stage in the background
Terry Jean wearing graduation cap and gown holds his Bentley diploma and bouquet of flowers

Terry Jean ’25

Major: Marketing

Minors: Computer Information Systems and Psychology

First and foremost, I have to thank God for lifting me up through every difficult season and guiding me to this moment.

To the three most incredible women in my life — my mom, grandma and sister; thank you. Your sacrifices, strength and endless belief in me are the foundation of who I am. Without you, there would be no Terry Jean. To my dad and my strict upbringing — discipline taught me to face life’s battles head-on, with courage and resilience. I never forgot how blessed I was with opportunities that many of our people back home in Haiti could only dream of.

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Kevin Serrano Mancia ’25

Major: Management

Concentration: Human Resources

As a first-generation college graduate, this milestone means everything to me. I’m incredibly grateful to my parents, family, friends, professors and mentors who supported me throughout this journey. The past few years have challenged me, pushed me and helped me grow in ways I never imagined.

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Kevin Serrano Mancia ’25 wearing a graduation cap and gown and holding a Bentley diploma with family members
Jane Massett '25 wearing her graduation gown and sash

Jane Massett ’25

Majors: Marketing and Media, Arts & Society  

It is bittersweet to leave the place that taught me so much and gave me some of my closest friends, but I leave a vastly better version of myself. Beyond the resume lines, Bentley shaped me in ways I never expected — sharpening my thinking, fueling my creative confidence and deepening my love for media and storytelling.

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Christina Medor ’25

Major: Public Relations

With the strength of my ancestors, the support of my parents and the encouragement of mentors and friends, I’ve been able to build experiences across nonprofits, fashion and the luxury industry. I’m forever grateful and incredibly proud to represent my heritage as a first-gen Haitian-American graduate from Bentley University and transitioning over to the Bentley University alumni family.

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Christina Medor '25 wearing her graduation cap and gown holding her Bentley diploma and a bouquet of flowers
Cameron Moura wearing graduation cap and gown in front of the Bentley falcon statue

Cameron Moura ’25

Major: Finance

I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunities, experiences and friends that have been made along the way here at Bentley. These past four years have been monumental in both personal and professional growth.

In June, I will be joining Natixis Investment Managers as a sales associate. I’m excited to begin my career and thankful for all of the people who have made this possible.

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Ximena Vallarino ’25

Major: Experience Design

These past years have been filled with significant self-growth, challenges, hard work and good memories, all of which have shaped me into the person I am today and the professional I aspire to become.

I want to thank my professors for always supporting me, my parents, Javier Vallarino and Sara Montenegro Pérez, for believing in me, and my friends for being by my side in this heartfelt journey.

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Ximena Vallarino ’25 wearing a graduation cap and gown holding her Bentley diploma and a bouquet of flowers

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