Eric LeGrand Addresses Graduates, Families and Friends at Commencement 2025

Students smile among a sea of graduation caps and gowns and ponchos.

By Kenna Caprio

May 14, 2025 — Commencement speaker Eric LeGrand urged the Class of 2025 to “grow each and every day” and to “pour back into FDU” as he addressed more than 2,500 graduates and their guests at graduation.

“Things won’t always be easy and fun. We’re all going to face some kind of adversity. But you can always live your life to the fullest and impact other people. Be proud of where you are right now and what you’ve accomplished,” said LeGrand, an activist, disability advocate and motivational speaker.

In 2010, while playing football for Rutgers University, LeGrand sustained a spinal cord injury on the field. Facing an uncertain prognosis and paralysis, LeGrand underwent intensive rehabilitation. In 2013, he founded Team LeGrand through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, raising more than $3 million for spinal cord injury research and advocacy. LeGrand is also an author, an entrepreneur, a sports analyst, and a motivational speaker.

The ceremony celebrated graduates completing their degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels.

A group of students wearing ponchos with their caps and gowns smile.

Student Pinnacle Award recipients Jayla Grady, representing the Metropolitan Campus, and Natalie Van, representing the Florham Campus, addressed their fellow graduates.

“As you look toward the future — no matter where life takes you or what challenges come your way — I challenge you to hold on to that courage and strength within you. Let it empower you to live not just the life you want, but also the life you truly deserve,” said Grady. “FDU has given us the chance to make mistakes, take risks and dare to be bold. We did it!”

“We’ve all worked incredibly hard to get here — sometimes sacrificing sleep and time — and we should be proud of how far we’ve come,” said Van. “As we each step into our next chapter, I hope we carry forward the strength, resilience and compassion we’ve built here. Congratulations, and here’s to everything ahead!”

Fatima Alharazi, the Vancouver Pinnacle Award recipient, spoke at the Vancouver Campus graduation ceremony on May 7.

“I quickly realized that FDU isn’t just a university — it is a community. A community that welcomed me, challenged me, and occasionally made me question my life choices during finals week,” said Alharazi.

A view of the crowd from the graduation stage.

The University’s 82nd Commencement ceremony, which streamed live on the web, was held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Class of 2025 represents 68 countries and 49 states and territories.

“You leave here today with more than a degree,” said University President Michael Avaltroni. “You also leave with a circle of friends, supporters and mentors; and the confidence that only comes by completing this transformational journey. Believe in yourselves. Congratulations to each of you and best wishes for the brightest of futures!”

Meet the 2025 Pinnacle Award Recipients!

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Eric LeGrand Addresses Graduates, Families and Friends at Commencement 2025