Commencement Speaker James Breheny told the Class of 2025, “This is the end of one chapter for you, but the dawn of a whole new life with infinite possibilities” Breheny is a renowned conservationist and Director of the Bronx Zoo, one of the largest and most respected zoological institutions in the world. He also serves as Executive Vice President of Zoos and Aquariums for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), overseeing operations at all five WCS zoological parks in New York City, including the New York Aquarium. He spoke to graduates at the 71st Annual Dominican University New York Commencement at the Westchester County Center on May 18, 2025.

Breheny explained to the graduates how his journey started as a 14-year-old working at the Bronx Zoo and his passion for wildlife and animals has now taken him around the world to South America, Africa, and Asia. He has worked on reintroduction programs for species facing extinction – including American bison, the Roti Island snake-necked turtle, and the Kihansi spray toad. Breheny also collaborated with Animal Planet on the groundbreaking docuseries The Zoo, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the work of Bronx Zoo staff.

Breheny told the Class of 2025 that the graduates should imagine what they could do. “As I look out on all of you today, I see me. You have the same opportunity for success. You can each write your own ticket,” he said. “To do that, just find something that you are passionate about, something that you love, something at which you excel. Set a goal and work towards it.”

During the Commencement ceremony, Dominican University confered upon Breheny an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his transformative leadership in zoological management, his deep understanding of animal behavior, and his unwavering commitment to biodiversity.  

Manuel Martínez, Ph.D., President, Dominican University New York, also addressed the graduates and told them to define success on their own terms — not to base it on on their salary, their number of social media followers, or how quickly they are promoted. “Instead, let success be measured by the lives you touch, the injustices you challenge, how you carry yourself, and the effort and energy you put to achieve your goals,” he said. “Let success be measured in the way you listen to those who don’t have a voice. The way you lead with care and humility. The way you show up – even when there’s no applause.”

In addition to Breheny, other honorees at Commencement included:

• Raymond H. Hill, M.E.M. – Philanthropist and businessman Raymond Hill is an accomplished rower who as Chairman and CEO of COREvitas, a biotechnology firm focused on real-world data autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Hill led the company to a nine-fold revenue growth over eight years. His leadership culminated in the company’s acquisition by Thermo Fisher Scientific for nearly $1 billion. He continues to shape the future of healthcare as an Operating Partner at Arsenal Capital, advising on pharmaceutical and bioscience investments. Hill received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. 
• Mardochee Julien-West M.S., RBT – As a student as Dominican, Mardochee Julien West excelled in the classroom as an English major and co-led Verbal Asylum, Dominican’s Poetry and open mic club where she helped cultivate a creative, inclusive space.  Her professional path recently brought her to the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) where she now serves as both a Qualitative Research Analyst and Success Coach, while also pursuing a Doctor of Management degree focused on community college policy and administration. Julien-West received the 2025 Badami Outstanding Alumna Award. 
• Howard Goldin and Edward J. Frank – Vietnam veterans Howard Goldin and Edward Frank co- founded a nonprofit organization called S.T.E.P or Schools to End Poverty, which is sponsored by the Spring Valley Rotary.  Over the past 20 years, S.T.E.P. has built three schools in Vietnam, as well as schools in Jamaica, Honduras, and Ghana.  In addition, two orphanages have been constructed in Vietnam with a third orphanage planned. The orphanages house physically-challenged children and young people who were abused, abandoned, or both. Goldin and Frank were awarded the 2025 Veritas Medal.

A total of 371 students earned doctorate, master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees.