Berklees 2025 Commencement, Through the Lens of a Graduate

Berklees 2025 Commencement, Through the Lens of a Graduate Photographer Matthew Ryu shares a look at Berklees 2025 commencement from a graduates POV.

By

Matthew Ryu

May 22, 2025

Image by Matthew Ryu

Matthew Ryu BM '25 majored in jazz composition and is from Bangkok, Thailand, and Seoul, South Korea.

Follow Matthew on Instagram, YouTube, or his website.

As I walked in the rain holding my umbrella, I thought about all the parents that would be at the commencement. I've often thought that maybe it's a day more for celebrating those who supported our journey.

We as students are supported not only by ourselves but our peers, professors, sponsors, guardians, and most of all, our parents. My mother raised two children as a single parent, and it was extremely difficult to send me to Berklee. We initially planned that I would only be able to attend the college for only a year, but somehow, here I was walking to my graduation. There was no one else that I wished to be there but my mother as I wanted to celebrate all the work she put in and all the faith she had in me. I wanted her to visit the place that she'd been sending her son to. I couldn't have done it without her support, and I think it was no coincidence that Mother's Day was just the next day.

Although she couldn't make it to the graduation, I was able to celebrate and experience joy through my fellow graduates and everyone else who came. As we walked out to the arena, I imagined my mother being there and putting my cap on her, as she deserved it more than I did. Sara Bareilless and Andr 3000's speeches were beautiful, but most importantly, inspiring, and as we waited for the commencement to begin, there was a real sense of community and togetherness. Some were excited and some were nervous, but we had each other.

The most beautiful moment for me was after the commencement, when all the graduates I saw in the waiting room a few hours prior finally met their friends and families, embracing each other. The joy and excitement felt that day shone a bright light over the gloomy weather.

Getting ready.

Image by Matthew Ryu

Making new friends, Zoe and Chuck!

Image by Matthew Ryu

Lining up to walk out to the stadium.

Image by Matthew Ryu

In line to enter.

Image by Matthew Ryu

Almost there . . .

Image by Matthew Ryu

Getting closer . . .

Image by Matthew Ryu

Found our seats!

Image by Matthew Ryu

Picture of new friend Zoe and the crowd.

Image by Matthew Ryu

Welcome families and friends!

Image by Matthew Ryu

Eager to walk on stage.

Image by Matthew Ryu

Listening to Andr 3000's speech.

Image by Matthew Ryu

Walking! Getting the diploma! Moment of truth!

Image by Matthew Ryu

Tassels have been moved to the left. Graduates have graduated!

Image by Matthew Ryu

Umbrellas waiting for their owners.

Image by Matthew Ryu

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