SOE’s 2025 commencement speakers deliver uplifting addresses

By Celine Gomes

Every spring, Tufts University’s School of Engineering welcomes influential figures to address the graduating class. This year, alumna Allison Perkel and business leader Ursula Burns delivered speeches at the SOE Graduate Programs Ceremony and SOE Phase II Undergraduate Ceremony respectively. Their remarks brought energy, warmth, and inspiration to a weekend already charged with excitement.

On Saturday, May 17, Perkel, E93, EG02, delivered the commencement address at the School of Engineering’s Graduate Programs Ceremony. Speaking to a crowd of master’s and PhD students, she illustrated the road ahead as one filled with possibility. Her talk highlighted three key ideas, each paired with a book recommendation. At its heart, her message urged collaboration across disciplines and perspectives to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.

As the Head of Software, Mobile and Software Development at Blink, and recently holding key roles at Capital One and Carbon Black, Perkel’s career reflects a steady drive to innovate and lead. Her commitment to Tufts also runs deep. She holds both a bachelor’s in electrical engineering and master’s degree in computer science from Tufts University and is an active member of the Tufts Gordon Institute Industrial Advisory Council.

The next day, the energy carried. Burns, former CEO of Xerox and STEM advocacy leader, delivered the commencement address at the School of Engineering's Undergraduate Phase II Ceremony. Her sentiments encouraged graduates to keep learning, embrace risk, and dream boldly. Graduating seniors listened intently as she embodied the essence of strong, visionary leadership.

During the preceding All-University Commencement Ceremony, Burns received an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree. As the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, she helped transform Xerox into a global services leader. After her retirement from Xerox, she served as chairwoman and CEO of VEON, during which time she successfully steered the company through various compliance and restructuring changes. She has also served in national leadership roles under President Obama and remains deeply involved in equity-focused business ventures.

In recognition of their accomplishments service, and leadership in the engineering community, Dean Kyongbum Lee presented each of the speakers with a Tufts School of Engineering Dean’s Medal. The honor is one of four types of medals that Tufts University awards, and is the only medal awarded by deans of the individual schools within Tufts. 

As the Class of 2025 steps into the next chapter, Perkel and Burns left behind more than inspiring words. Their stories of leadership, perseverance, and innovation offered a lasting reminder of the impact one person can have, and the possibilities that lie ahead for Tufts engineers.