Reflections from the undergraduate commencement speaker: Jason Amireault '25

As crowds entered the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) on Sunday, May 11, a palpable buzz of excitement began to fill the air. Friends, families, and the graduating Class of 2025 gathered to celebrate the culmination of time spent at The College of St. Scholastica. Among the graduates stood Jason Amireault ’25, a double major in Business Management and Marketing with minors in Finance and Social Media Studies from Esko, MN. Selected to be the undergraduate speaker for commencement, Amireault prepared to share the experiences that profoundly shaped him during his time at the College.

Discovering passion and community

Amireault’s journey to this moment was neither linear nor simple. Originally drawn to nursing – a path inspired by his mother’s career in health care – he arrived at St. Scholastica overwhelmed by choice and uncertainty. He quickly realized health care wasn’t the right industry for him. “I took an introduction to business course, and I actually fell in love with it,” he said. This newfound major sparked a love of learning he hadn’t felt in some time, especially after the disruptions to his education caused by COVID-19.

Reflecting on his time as a Saint, Amireault recounted another memorable experience from his freshman year: “It was the second night on campus, and my buddy from high school and I had no idea what we were going to do.” Their spontaneous decision to start knocking on the doors of their Somers Hall neighbors led to initial friendships. “Everyone was super genuine and nice and wanted to meet us and have conversations.”

Over the years, Amireault discovered that the tight-knit community he had experienced during his first year had only deepened. He reflected on the simple yet profound daily interactions with friends, conversations that would soon be replaced by the demands of the workplace. “Not having those little interactions every day is going to be one of those small things I’m going to miss, just saying hi to people,” he noted.

Values to lead the way

Amireault believes the College’s Benedictine values serve as a remarkable foundation for everyday living and are profoundly reflected in the everyday life of the Saints community. “The values we preach — hospitality, respect, community, stewardship, and love of learning — are not just words on a sign; they are embodied in our daily interactions,” he said. “You can see that every single day when you walk on campus; there’s a kind of friendly atmosphere.”

From the friendships formed across campus to the values instilled by the Benedictine tradition, Amireault’s experiences at St. Scholastica taught him the significance of community, respect, and love of learning. “You see these values happening in your everyday lives,” he reflected. “I think if I continue just to stay true to my values, I’m going to be successful in the future.”