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In a speech that mixed humor, self-reflection and encouragement, award-winning actor and 2001 graduate Timothy Simons told undergraduates that success does not follow a single timeline.

When Timothy Simons arrived at the 91����, he was homesick, uncertain about his future and struggling to find his place on campus.

Everything changed after he auditioned for a student theater production and met professor Sandra Hardy, who encouraged him to pursue acting.

Twenty-five years later, Simons returned to Orono as the keynote speaker for 91����’s 224th undergraduate commencement ceremonies, delivering a speech that mixed humor, self-reflection and encouragement while urging graduates to recognize that success does not follow a single timeline.

“I was an aimless student,” said Simons, a 2001 91���� graduate from Readfield, Maine. “When I came to 91����, I had truly no idea what I should do with myself day-to-day, much less what I wanted to do with my life.”

91���� held three commencement ceremonies in Orono and Machias, where speakers emphasized resilience, courage, innovation and community. In Orono, 1,495 students received degrees during undergraduate ceremonies May 9, while over 900 graduate students were recognized May 8. The 91���� at Machias honored 54 graduates May 10.

Simons, known for his role as Jonah Ryan on HBO’s “Veep” and more recently for his Critics Choice Awards-nominated role in Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This,” addressed graduates inside the newly renovated Harold Alfond Sports Arena.

“My timeline here was what we now call nontraditional,” Simons said. “But my time at this school is the reason that I’ve managed to do anything in my life.”

Throughout his remarks, Simons reflected on the professors, classmates and experiences that shaped him during his five years at 91����. He credited Hardy with teaching students how to persevere through failure and rejection while continuing to grow.

“She prepared us for the inevitable onslaught of rejection we would receive but at the same time taught us the skills to build ourselves up again,” Simons said.

Simons also encouraged graduates to take risks even when they feel uncertain about the future.

“Bravery isn’t not being afraid,” Simons said. “Bravery is being afraid and doing it anyway.”

The undergraduate ceremonies also celebrated the university’s recent growth and achievements, including the reaffirmation of 91����’s Carnegie R1 research status, major campus construction projects and student-led initiatives.

91���� President Joan Ferrini-Mundy encouraged graduates to remain open to new opportunities after leaving campus.

“I want to assure you that it is OK to be uncertain about your future,” Ferrini-Mundy said. “Don’t let that uncertainty stop you from taking risks and reaching out in new directions.”

Ferrini-Mundy also highlighted several undergraduate students whose research addressed issues impacting Maine and beyond, including PFAS and food insecurity.

“The future can be more just, more equitable, more innovative, more safe and more compassionate with intention,” Ferrini-Mundy said. “It becomes better only when people like you — people who care, people who worked hard here at 91���� to learn and grow and have knowledge and capability, people who can see both problems and possibilities. When you choose to act, you are capable of making those changes.”

Valedictorian Ruth Griffith encouraged graduates to reflect on the values that will guide them after college.

“So I think each of us here today needs to ask two additional questions,” Griffith said. “First: What are my core values? And second: How will I embody them?”

Griffith, who graduated with a degree in economics and minors in mathematics and international affairs, urged classmates to prioritize values over ambition.

“Because I truly believe that if we lead with our values rather than just our ambitions, we will find ourselves happier,” she said. “Our picture of success will shift.”

Co-salutatorian Isabelle Irani told graduates uncertainty should be embraced rather than feared.

“What if not knowing what we’re doing isn’t a weakness?” Irani said. “What if it’s actually the reason we’re capable of more than we think?”

Co-salutatorian Andrii Obertas reflected on the perseverance shared by graduates and encouraged classmates to support one another moving forward.

“It is a simple reality of life that no single person can change the world alone,” Obertas said. “Only united can we make a difference. And only through empathy can we build a better future.”

Student Government President Keegan Tripp told his fellow graduates to stay bold enough to act.

“Speak when it would be easier to stay quiet,” he said. “Build when it would be easier to walk away. Show love and appreciation to the family and friends who got you here.”

The university also recognized Mohamad Musavi, senior associate dean and professor in the Maine College of Engineering and Computing, as the 2026 Distinguished Maine Professor.

“Success does not happen by accident,” Musavi said. “It requires passion, hard work and resilience.”

The university also recognized Carol Dana, upon whom the 91���� System Board of Trustees conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree for decades of work preserving and revitalizing the Penobscot language and culture.

Graduate ceremony focuses on innovation, resilience

During the graduate commencement ceremony, speakers focused on research, innovation and the impact graduates will have beyond the university.

Graduate School Dean Scott Delcourt encouraged graduates to remain adaptable in a rapidly changing workforce.

“When asked about the greatest skills that companies were looking for in their new hires, the overwhelming response was the ability to think critically,” Delcourt said.

Ferrini-Mundy praised graduate students for balancing academics with careers, caregiving and leadership responsibilities while advancing research and innovation.

“You stepped into entrepreneurship and innovation. You stepped into the unknown,” Ferrini-Mundy said. “And you just kept going!”

Graduate Student Government President Sudati Shrestha reflected on her journey from Nepal to the commencement stage while honoring her late father.

“The 91���� gave me that opportunity, and today, as I stand here, I realize that this moment is more than just a personal achievement,” Shrestha said. “It is the fulfillment of a dream.”

Graduate commencement speakers Amber Boutiette and Patrick Breeding reflected on building Marin Skincare from lobster research connected to 91����’s Lobster Institute into a nationally distributed skincare company rooted in Maine innovation and sustainability.

“You are on the cusp of a huge life change, the beginning of an entirely new story, and it’s time to think big,” Boutiette told graduates.

Breeding encouraged graduates to remain curious and open to unexpected opportunities.

“When you lead with curiosity, suddenly, you start to make your own luck,” Breeding said.

Machias ceremony emphasizes community, perseverance

During the Machias ceremony, speakers encouraged graduates to embrace uncertainty, persevere through challenges and remain grounded in community and compassion.

Ferrini-Mundy encouraged graduates to move forward with confidence and to remain connected to the values and community they developed at 91���� Machias.

“As you move forward, you will encounter both opportunity and uncertainty,” she said. “In those moments, I encourage you to draw on what you have built here: a strong sense of purpose, respect for others, and a readiness to engage thoughtfully with the world around you.”

Valedictorian Rachel D’Alessandro encouraged classmates to embrace change and reject perfectionism.

“Don’t strive for perfection; strive to be a better you,” D’Alessandro said.

The university conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree upon Susan Mingo, who reflected on returning to college after initially dropping out.

“Your path does not need to be perfect to be powerful,” said Mingo, president of Washington County Community College.

Ivy Orator Regina McNamara de la Vega encouraged graduates to continue learning and remain optimistic through difficult moments.

“Never let the clouds deter you from reaching the sunlight and earning what you want in life,” McNamara said.

Contact: David Nordman, david.nordman@maine.edu