On a vibrant Saturday, the Agganis Arena in Boston hosted an illustrious event as Berklee College of Music celebrated its 2025 commencement ceremony. Over 1,500 graduates from all 50 U.S. states and 75 countries gathered to mark this significant milestone. During the ceremony, honorary doctorates were bestowed upon two legendary figures in the music industry: André Benjamin, known for his work as André 3000, and Sara Bareilles, a celebrated singer-songwriter and activist. Their speeches offered profound insights into their careers and personal struggles, providing valuable advice to the new generation of artists.

In a remarkable gathering at the Agganis Arena, Berklee College of Music honored its graduating class amidst global representation. Ron Savage, Berklee’s vice president and executive director, alongside President Jim Lucchese, presented André Benjamin and Sara Bareilles with honorary degrees. Benjamin, a nine-time Grammy winner, has left an indelible mark on music, film, fashion, and fine arts worldwide. His visit to Berklee last fall during his New Blue Sun tour further solidified his connection with the institution. In his speech, he reminisced about his childhood memories and early musical influences, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's original passion for music.

Sara Bareilles, celebrated for her multiple Grammy wins and nominations for prestigious awards like the Emmy and Tony, shared her heartfelt experiences with the graduating class. She highlighted her battle with severe anxiety, which she described metaphorically as feeling like standing over a "trap door." However, music provided her stability and trust, eventually becoming a "trampoline" that propelled her forward. Her message urged graduates to embrace honesty and vulnerability in their artistic endeavors, reminding them that authenticity is the essence of being an artist.

The ceremony not only marked the culmination of academic achievements but also served as a platform for inspiration and guidance. The words of Benjamin and Bareilles resonated deeply with the attendees, offering both encouragement and wisdom. Benjamin encouraged the students to ignore external chatter and focus on their inner motivations for creating music. Meanwhile, Bareilles emphasized the transformative power of truth-telling through art, urging graduates to let their unique voices shape the world.

This memorable event underscored the importance of perseverance, authenticity, and resilience in the pursuit of artistic excellence. As the graduates stepped into the future, they carried with them the invaluable lessons imparted by two iconic figures who have redefined the cultural landscape. With such inspirations guiding them, the class of 2025 embarks on their journeys equipped to make meaningful contributions to the arts.