SAIS Europe Commencement 2025

On Saturday, May 17, SAIS Europe gathered at the Teatro Medica Palace in Bologna to celebrate the Class of 2025—a cohort whose time at SAIS has been marked not only by rigorous academic engagement but also by the milestone 70th anniversary of the Bologna Center. Family, friends, faculty, and distinguished guests came together for a ceremony that reflected both the intellectual character and the enduring spirit of the SAIS Europe community.

In his welcome address, Rector Renaud Dehousse offered both a personal and institutional reflection. Having accompanied this cohort from matriculation to graduation, he highlighted the distinctive energy, curiosity, and commitment that defined their time in Bologna. “This moment is especially meaningful to me,” he said. “You have helped mark this anniversary year with creativity and conviction—qualities that will serve you well as you chart your course beyond SAIS.” He reaffirmed the school’s founding mission to cultivate leadership through interdisciplinary training, intercultural dialogue, and a commitment to global responsibility.

This year’s keynote address was delivered by Dmytro Kuleba, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and a leading voice in diplomacy during the Russian invasion. Drawing on his experiences on the international stage, Kuleba encouraged graduates to “think critically, dream boldly, and act with conviction.” He reminded them that while changing the world takes time, “you must bring that change,” and that “a bit of luck is always necessary.” He emphasized the importance of teamwork, humility, and belief in the value of human dignity. “One of the greatest challenges to progress is the ego of the individual,” he said. “We are stronger together—especially when we build bridges between communities.”

The ceremony also recognized excellence in teaching and student research. Professor Arthur Appleton received the 2025 Johns Hopkins Alumni Association Excellence in Teaching Award, honored by students for his ability to make complex issues in global trade law both accessible and engaging.

Outstanding student work was also celebrated through the C. Grove Haines Awards and the Excellence in Gender Research Prize, presented by Professor Nina Hall. This year’s recipients were:

• International Policy Areas: Talha Güney – Under Siege: Examining the Link Between Perceived Threat and Acceptance of Violence
• Regions of the World: Emmanuella Aggrey – Hybrid Governance in Postcolonial Ghana
• M.A.I.A. Thesis / Independent Study: Daria Sophia Lange – Ctrl + Command + Defend: Analyzing State Responses to Cyberattacks
• Excellence in Gender Research Prize: Martina Migliorisi – Weaponized Bodies: Gender-Based Violence in Mali’s Civil War

In her student address, Student Government President Josefine Petrick reflected on the transformation the cohort had undergone together: “The people, the space, and the shared experiences shaped who we’ve become.” She spoke of likely and unlikely friendships, of “living international relations” through dialogue and cultural exchange, and of learning what it means to grow collectively—even in times of division. Her remarks concluded with a surprise video tribute featuring reflections from students and faculty, which moved many in the audience to laughter and tears. The video offered a deeply human portrait of the community forged in Bologna over the past year.

Following the conferral of degrees, Gabriella Chiappini, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, formally welcomed graduates into the global SAIS alumni network. “Your journey with Johns Hopkins SAIS does not end here—it evolves,” she said, encouraging graduates to stay connected to the community and to one another. With over 9000 alumni from SAIS Europe and more than 150,000 from Johns Hopkins worldwide, the Class of 2025 now joins a dynamic and far-reaching network of changemakers across sectors and continents.

Rector Dehousse returned to the stage to close the ceremony by invoking the legacy of Professor C. Grove Haines, the school’s founder. “Nearly 70 years ago, he imagined a place where students of many nationalities would prepare to lead with empathy, intelligence, and global awareness,” he said. “You have fully embodied that mission. Wherever life takes you, know that you will always have a home here in Bologna.”

The celebration continued with a garden reception at the Bologna Center—marking the end of one chapter, and the beginning of many more.

Commencement Photo Album

---