Jimmy Ndayikengurukiye, of Peoria, graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine with a major in biology.

At its 159th commencement on May 25, Bates College celebrated 504 members of its Class of 2025.

President Garry W. Jenkins called on the new graduates, who came from 38 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and 31 countries, to be ambassadors for Bates and for higher education.

"Tell the story of how and why Bates matters," Jenkins said. "Tell the stories of other colleges and universities that are important in your life. Talk about the doors that have been opened by this kind of higher education. Share with others the excellence that lives in these places."

In a speech lauded by The Guardian as one of the best of the year, psychologist and author Angela Duckworth opened with an

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