Commencement Address: Distinguished Alumna Christine DeBiase (May 18, 2025)
Good morning, New Paltz Class of 2025!
Thank you, President Wheeler, for inviting me to be part of this special day and for recommending me for this honorary degree. And thank you, SUNY Board of Trustees, for approving my nomination.
It is an incredible honor to be here with all of you – our New Paltz faculty, my New Paltz softball coach, Alan Dunefsky and his wonderful wife, Francoise, the family and friends of our graduates, and you, our graduating class of 2025.
For me, this moment is more than a full-circle journey – it’s a homecoming. It’s been 35 years since I walked across this stage as a first-generation college student, a student-athlete, and someone who had no idea where the road ahead would lead.
And now, to be standing here – receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the institution that gave me my start – is one of the most humbling honors of my life.
Thank you, New Paltz, for this extraordinary honor. My parents – who previously passed away – would’ve been beaming. And my mom, who was my staunchest supporter, would have probably interrupted this speech to tell everyone I was valedictorian. I wasn’t. But that’s the kind of belief she had in me.
Graduates – having been in your seat, I know this day is one that you’ll carry with you for years to come.
Take a moment to soak it all in. The joy, the pride, the promise, and yes – the collective sigh of relief. You made it!
And Today — I’m Not Alone
Before I dive in, I need to offer a personal thank-you to the people who are my truest home.
Perhaps the greatest role I have is mother to my two incredible children, Sophie and Marco, who are here today along with my beautiful, dynamic wife of 25 years, Ellen. Sophie and Marco continue to teach me how important it is to be unique in your own ways, and never lose the part of you that makes you so special.
I’m standing here not just because of what I’ve done, but because of the love and support I’m surrounded by. Thank you. I share this honor with you.
35 years ago, I left New Paltz with a diploma, a duffel bag, and what I now realize was the original Gen X starter pack: student loans, big dreams, and no Wi-Fi. Let me share a few lessons—some serious, some funny, and all learned the way we used to: by falling flat, getting back up, and Googling nothing—because we couldn’t.
Lesson One: Own Your Origin Story
Your background isn’t something to “overcome” – it’s your power source.
I was the first in my family to go to college. My parents didn’t have corporate networks, LinkedIn Profiles, or prep school resumes. What they had – especially my mom – was grit, work ethic, and an unwavering belief in the power of showing up and giving your all.
She was a proud 1st generation Italian American, full of fire, humor, and wisdom, and she taught me more than any textbook could. When I doubted myself, she didn’t. When I got knocked down, she said, “That’s life – get back up, fix your hair, and keep moving.”
Lesson Two: Life Is a Team Sport
Whether you’re on the soccer or softball field, in a law office, or leading a Fortune 100 company – you’re only as strong as the team around you. That’s so important!
In my career, I’ve helped spin off one of the largest insurance companies in the country, advised CEOs, and built teams from the ground up. None of that happened solo.
Find people you trust. Pass them the ball. Celebrate their wins. And always, always show up for each other.
Lesson Three: Fail Forward (and Fast)
Spoiler alert: You will mess up. You’ll take the wrong job, the wrong turn, or forget to mute during a Zoom meeting (it happens to the best of us).
The key isn’t perfection – it’s resilience. Own your mistakes, learn from them, and keep moving forward. That’s where character is built.
Lesson Four: Lead with Integrity – Even When It’s Not Easy
There will be moments in your life and career when doing the right thing… is the hard thing. Choose it anyway.
I’ve sat in rooms where I was the only woman, the youngest voice, the lone dissent. I’ve had to make tough calls when it would’ve been easier to stay quiet.
But you don’t build a career – much less a life – by playing it safe. You build it by standing for something.
Lead with integrity. Every. Single. Time.
Lesson Five: Laugh – Especially at Yourself
Life is chaotic. Sometimes hilarious. Always unpredictable.
Laugh at the detours. Laugh at yourself. Laugh when your 19-year-old son reminds you you’re “not that funny,” and your daughter follows up with, “He’s right, mom . . . but we love you anyway.” (which for the record, is their version of a standing ovation)
If you can keep your sense of humor intact, you’ll be unstoppable.
Final Lesson: Lift Others as You Climb
I’ve had the privilege of serving on boards like PowerPlay NYC, a nonprofit that helps girls from underserved communities find their voice through sports. It’s work that keeps me connected to something bigger than myself.
No matter what your job title ends up being, remember: your real legacy is how you use your power to open doors for others.
Be the reason someone believes in themselves.
In Closing…
You don’t need to know your whole path today. You just need to take the next step – with courage, with kindness, and with a little humor.
And if you’re lucky to still have your mom, your dad, your grandparent, your caregiver… someone in your life that believed in you – hug them. Thank them. They’re the foundation beneath this moment.
And if, like me, they’ve passed on… carry them forward in all you do.
Congratulations, Class of 2025. You are more than ready.
Go out there and show the world what a Hawk can do.
Thank you!