In just a few weeks, graduating students from the University of Richmond will take the stage during Commencement ceremonies.

Undergraduate students from the School of Arts & Sciences, Robins School of Business, and Jepson School of Leadership Studies will graduate during the main ceremony on the afternoon of May 11. Tom Barkin, the president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, accepted the invitation to address them.

“I am excited to celebrate this important milestone with the University of Richmond Class of 2025,” said Barkin. “I look forward to reflecting on what the graduating seniors have already accomplished and offering a few nuggets of advice for what comes next.”

Barkin became president and CEO of the Richmond Fed, which serves Virginia, the Carolinas, Maryland, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C., in January 2018. He is responsible for the Bank’s supervision, regulation, monetary policy, and payment services, along with oversight of the Federal Reserve System’s information technology organization. He also serves on the Federal Reserve’s chief monetary policy body, the Federal Open Market Committee.

"The University is honored to welcome Tom Barkin, a distinguished leader in both the business and financial sectors, to deliver our 2025 main Commencement address,” said University of Richmond President Kevin F. Hallock. “Barkin’s dedication to our regional and national economies and his meaningful community engagement will set an inspiring example for our graduates as they embark on lives of purpose, thoughtful inquiry, and responsible leadership."

The University will also hold ceremonies on May 10 for the Richmond School of Law and School of Professional & Continuing Studies.

Stephanie Grana, partner of the personal injury law firm of Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, will address the law graduates. Grana graduated from UR with magna cum laude distinction in 1990 and received her J.D. from the School of Law in 1993.

As part of a long-standing tradition, a graduating student, faculty member, and alumnus will speak at the SPCS graduation ceremony. This year’s speakers are undergraduate student Richard M. Bagby, 2017 alum Sabrina M. Guerin, and adjunct associate professor of education Sarah B. Calveric.

Giff Breed, a 1981 UR alum and president of Pros Inc., a sports and entertainment marketing firm, will address Robins School M.B.A. graduates when they are celebrated in August.