Leeds’ Class of 2025: Remember that ‘Great Ideas Come From Everyone and Everywhere’
More than 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students—the largest graduating class in Leeds’ history—crossed the stage this May, ready to make their mark on the world with purpose, compassion and joy.
The 2025 commencement ceremonies at Leeds School celebrated not just academic achievement, but the culmination of a transformative journey—one grounded in community, resilience and a shared commitment to meaningful impact.
Shannon Sisler’s career compass
Shannon Sisler (Fin’95), executive vice presidents and chief people officer at Crocs, delivered a keynote address to undergraduates centered on confidence, service to others and authenticity.
She offered students three enduring takeaways.Recalling her mother’s advice to step confidently into any room, Sisler shared a powerful reminder that “If you are in the room, you are meant to be there.”As an engaged member of the Leeds Advisory Board, she highlighted the importance of mentorships and coaching, emphasizing that personal and professional growth is a two-way relationship.
Lastly, pairing Crocs’ company mantra "Come as you are” with advice from her father,she encouraged graduates to resist the pressures of the “should-do” list, focusing instead on unique strengths and passions—one’s “superpowers”—to guide career and life choices that lead to fulfillment.
“When I started to really embrace focusing on my strengths and being my authentic self, I began to really enjoy what I was doing.”
“When I started to really embrace focusing on my strengths and being my authentic self, I began to really enjoy what I was doing.”
Shannon Sisler (Fin’25)
Carol Callan’s team-driven legacy
After earning her MBA at Leeds, Carol Callan (MS’77, MBA’87) was encouraged to pursue a doctorate—a move that promised financial security for her family. Instead, she chose to follow her values and remain in education and sports leadership.
She explained to graduate students how that decision led to a trailblazing career as the women’s national team director at USA Basketball and a leader in the global basketball organization FIBA. Seven Olympic gold medals later, Callan shared one of her guiding principles, quoting Roy Disney:“When principles are clear, decision making is easy.”
Alongside that conviction, Callan emphasized another key to success: “Be a good teammate.” She noted that teams are everywhere—within families, among colleagues and across communities. She advised graduates to honor the contributions of every team member, respect the competition, and remember that everyone has something to offer.
“Great ideas come from everywhere and everyone ... Be the person who brings the team together—the person who people count on.”
“Great ideas come from everywhere and everyone ... Be the person who brings the team together—the person who people count on.”
Carol Callan (MS’77, MBA’87)
A celebration of community
Commencement at Leeds is more than a personal milestone—it’s a tribute to supportive family members, friends, mentors and peers. Faculty and staff awards were a special part of the ceremonies.
Graduates were encouraged to stay connected to Leeds as engaged alumni—mentors, thought leaders and ambassadors of a global network bound by shared values and the courage to change the world.
On the graduation program,Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean Vijay Khatriinvoked the words of the Dalai Lama: “The purpose of our lives is to be happy,” adding, “The ultimate source of happiness is not money and power, but warm-heartedness.”
Graduate ceremony student speaker Brandon Christensen (PhD’25) shared his personal story of overcoming obstacles as he and his family relocated to bet365 malaysia during the pandemic, with gratitude for the community at Leeds that showed empathy every step of the way.
Prior to the ceremony, MBA student Deepali Agarwal, whose parents were unable to travel from India for graduation, captured that spirit of warm-heartedness when she commented how her father—“who neither speaks nor writes in English and is unfamiliar with technology”—took it upon himself to write a message in Hindi, translate it into English, and to record a video to share his appreciation with Leeds, wishing all Leeds graduates a bright future.
As she reflected on her time at Leeds, Agarwal echoed her father's sentiments:“I want to express my deepest gratitude for being part of a community that has truly transformed my life … Thank you for creating a space where students like me can dream big, grow boldly and feel genuinely supported. Leeds will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Meet members of the class of 2025 >>
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Emma Coburn (Mktg’13): ‘Keep Moving Forward’
Three-time Olympian and Leeds alumnaEmma Coburn (Mktg’13) delivered CU Boulder’s2025 Commencement address, inspiring students with her personal story of hard work, persistence and triumph over failure. She shared insights about “closing the gap,” meaning continuously evolving from the person you are today to the person you want to become. From aiming to win at everyday choices, such as being kind, listening and building a habit of self-discipline, to letting go of what you can’t control, Coburn inspired the class of 2025 to always keep moving forward.
She assured graduates they already had a great head start: earning a degree at CU Boulder and being a part of the powerful Forever Buffs community.