Hope and opportunity bring student speaker to Commencement podium!
Anas Alami, a Brooklyn native who overcame challenges in the foster care system, has been chosen as the student speaker for St. Bonaventure University’s 165th Commencement on May 18, 2025. His journey to higher education was shaped by his inner resilience and support from teachers, mentors, and the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), which he first misread as "HOPE"—a fitting symbol for his aspirations. At St. Bonaventure, Alami thrived as a Business Management major, engaging deeply in campus leadership, mentorship, and service.
In his speech, he plans to emphasize the “door-holding spirit” of the university, recognizing the many individuals who helped him along the way. His campus impact is widely celebrated, earning him recognition as one of the university’s two Ideal Bonaventure Students. Known for uplifting others, he encourages people to seek support and to view setbacks as opportunities.
After graduation, Alami will pursue an MBA at St. Bonaventure and serve as an academic counselor for HEOP and SOAR, continuing to open doors for others just as so many did for him.
In his speech, he plans to emphasize the “door-holding spirit” of the university, recognizing the many individuals who helped him along the way. His campus impact is widely celebrated, earning him recognition as one of the university’s two Ideal Bonaventure Students. Known for uplifting others, he encourages people to seek support and to view setbacks as opportunities.
After graduation, Alami will pursue an MBA at St. Bonaventure and serve as an academic counselor for HEOP and SOAR, continuing to open doors for others just as so many did for him.
