The Class of 2024 Is Ready to Change the World

On a warm August evening, the Lowy International School at Tel Aviv University held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024, a class unlike any other in the university’s history. The international students, hailing from diverse corners of the world, gathered—some in person, others virtually—to mark the culmination of their academic journeys in Israel. 

MSc in Neuroscience graduates with Orly Segev (left), the program coordinator

This year’s ceremony was not just a celebration of academic achievements, but also a testament to the resilience, courage, and solidarity these students have shown in the face of unprecedented challenges. To ensure everyone could participate, the event was live-streamed, allowing families and friends worldwide to share in this significant milestone.

Courage and Commitment: The Legacy of the Class of 2024

David Ryan, from the Lowy International School, opened the ceremony by emphasizing the unique circumstances that have defined this cohort. "No other graduating class in the history of Tel Aviv University has experienced what you have," he remarked. 

David Ryan welcomes the Class of 2024

The events of October 7th, a day that will forever be etched in the memories of all who were in Israel, brought unimaginable hardships. Yet, international students who graduated this year were those who chose to stay, to continue their education amidst the turmoil, and to support each other and those around them through a year marked by mourning, learning, and growing together.

"We hope that you can fully take in and appreciate the significance of what you have accomplished."

Kate Klementeva, the program coordinator for MA in TESOL, (left) with the Class of 2024

"We have so much faith in you and the great things all of you will do. Believe in yourself, take risks and make meaningful contributions to your communities,” added Ryan.

Isamu Goiati, a graduate of the International MA in Environmental Studies, with his grandfather who graduated from TAU in 1972

A Ceremony of Heartfelt Moments

The graduation ceremony was a time of joy and reflection, but one particularly touching moment was when several graduates rose to the stage to receive their diplomas with their young children by their sides. These heartwarming moments underscored the dedication and perseverance required to balance the demands of parenthood with the rigors of graduate studies.

Prof. Elana Shohamy, the head of the MA in TESOL program (left), Kate Klementeva, the program manager (right), with this year's graduate Samar Abughaith and her kids

The heads of the English-taught graduate programs offered by the Lowy International School took to the stage to present diplomas to the 150 graduates. Each program had prepared a heartfelt video filled with memories of the past year, from classroom discussions and field trips to volunteering and holiday parties. 

Hope as a Beacon of Resilience

In her address, Professor Milette Shamir, VP International at TAU, shared a powerful story of hope that resonated deeply with the audience. She recounted her conversation with Louis Har, a 70-year-old survivor of the October 7th captivity, who spoke of the power of hope in the darkest of times. 

"Hope is not a passive expectation," Shamir reminded the graduates. 

"Hope is an active force. It’s about recognizing that you have a role in making a better future a reality." 

Valedictorian Maria Ellul: A Journey of Courage and Discovery

Valedictorian Maria Ellul, a master’s student in Security and Diplomacy, shared her journey, which began with her arrival in Israel on October 8th, just a day after the tragic events:

"I did not let terror get in the way of living my life."

Maria Ellul, from Malta, 2024 Valedictorian

Ellul spoke of her initial uncertainties, the cultural and linguistic challenges, and the deep bonds formed with fellow students from around the world. She also highlighted the various ways the Lowy international student community made their contribution to Israel:

“Whether you helped out on a farm or another cause, donated, spread an important message, worked with Operation Mana, or joined the TAU task force, I hope you recognized that your valuable time was appreciated and made you part of something bigger.”

She expressed her gratitude for the support she received from her peers and faculty, acknowledging that this year had shaped her in ways she never imagined.

"We leave here today with countless memories and a renewed sense of purpose."

“The reality is that many of us are stepping into the unknown, and that's okay. But dear class of 2024, I invite you to view it differently. Embrace the uncertainty not as a void, but as a canvas,” she said.

A Call to Action

Nimrod Rossler, head of the Conflict Resolution and Mediation MA program, delivered an inspiring address that encouraged graduates to use their experiences and education to foster peace and understanding in a world often divided by conflict. 

Nimrod Rossler, head of the Conflict Resolution and Mediation MA

He acknowledged the unique challenges the graduates faced, saying, "I know it was especially difficult because you were so far away from home, where you have your families and friends, those who are the much-needed support network at such difficult times. And I know you stood up to the challenge."

The Lowy International Class of 2024

Rossler spoke passionately about the strong bonds formed within the cohort, noting, "I can speak for our program because there I saw a strongly bounded cohort of students, openly sharing their experiences, supporting each other. I’m sure it is the same in other programs." 

Looking Ahead

The ceremony was not just a conclusion, but a new beginning for these students, who are now ready to take on the world with the knowledge, skills, and resilience they have gained at Tel Aviv University.

Master’s in Disaster Management graduates

Larry French is heading back to the United States with job interviews lined up, Nivedha Mohan Raj is preparing her PhD research proposal after earning her MSc in Neuroscience in record time, and Brian Kumate is eager to apply his MA in Sustainable Development to create impactful solutions, perhaps through a startup. These are just a few examples of the bright futures awaiting the Class of 2024.

The world is waiting for their ideas, their energy, and their determination to make a difference. The Class of 2024 is ready to change the world.

Photos courtesy of Shlomi Mizrahi and Ohad Tadmor