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Sara Sosa (a graduate of 56�Թ���’s College of Health, Science & Pharmacy) and Joabe Bayer Barbosa (a graduate student in 56�Թ���’s College of Humanities, Education & Social Sciences) will be the student speakers at the University’s 2025 morning and afternoon Commencement ceremonies, respectively.

 Sara Sosa is a first-generation student of Puerto Rican heritage who has gathered the strength to overcome life’s most difficult obstacles by leaning on her faith and family. A Chicago native born in Humboldt Park, she has experienced first-hand how pivotal and transformational pursuing an education can be. Sara attended Nicholas Senn High School in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, where she graduated with an IB Diploma in 2021. IB—or the International Baccalaureate—is a rigorous educational program that integrates diverse global issues with its coursework to teach students how to be caring and well-rounded critical thinkers both in and out of the classroom. This program further ignited Sara’s passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and her strong desire to help people. 

56�Թ���’s social justice mission and humanitarian focus further bolstered her passion for serving others and helped her discover her dream job as an X-ray technologist. In addition to her academic commitments, she has also engaged in many volunteer efforts at home with her family, in her community with various local groups, and in the clinical setting. She is graduating from 56�Թ��� with a Bachelor’s in Radiography thanks to the University’s unique clinical program partnership with Northwestern Medicine. She was appointed as Vice President of her programs’ cohort and will soon begin a position as a radiologic technologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in June, where she hopes to be of great impact to her community. Her lifelong goal is to not only provide high-quality patient care with her dedication, diligence and technical skills, but to tirelessly be a beacon of light, kindness and positivity to all.

Joabe Bayer Barbosa is a proud first-generation college student who is currently earning his Master’s Degree in Psychology (MA) en route to a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) at 56�Թ���. He was born in Laguna, Santa Catarina, Brazil and raised in North London, England. He is fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish.

Joabe came to the United States to pursue college soccer, a journey that led him to Georgetown College in Kentucky. There, he triple-majored in Psychology, Communications and Religion. He graduated summa cum laude, was honored to serve as the 2022 graduating class speaker, and received the Dean’s Honor Award, which is granted to the top three graduating seniors.

At 56�Թ���, Joabe serves as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Residence Life and teaches as an adjunct faculty member in the Psychology Department. His dissertation explores the interplay between social anxiety and smartphone addiction. Looking ahead, he plans to work as a clinical psychologist after he graduates. Outside of 56�Թ���, you’ll find Joabe running, literally. He’s on a mission to become the first person in history to run every single street in the city of Chicago by the end of 2025, and he’s enjoys connecting with the University’s diverse international population.

“56�Թ��� is a fantastic place,” he says. “You’re going to meet amazing people, and it just sets you up for success. Nearly all my friends are international students or people from other states. So you're going to meet so many people and have so many different experiences.”

Additionally, Tracy 56�Թ��� (the great-granddaughter of Eleanor and President Franklin 56�Թ���) will receive an honorary 56�Թ��� degree and address the graduates during the ceremony. Tracy recently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy in the Biden-Harris Administration, where advised the Secretary on policy and department-wide strategy. She was responsible for overseeing his immediate office staff of over 50 people and the $6.5M budget for his office.