NYC Commissioner and Alum Manuel Castro 02F to Deliver 2025 Commencement Address

In his commencement address, Castro will reflect on his journey — from undocumented child to community organizer and city commissioner — as well as his experience as part of the early generation of DREAMers and what he’s learned from the incredibly resilient and diverse immigrant communities he has had the privilege to work with. He will speak to the urgency of this moment, the need for new, innovative leadership to confront the challenges of our time, and how institutions like Hampshire must lead the way.

As a student, Castro served as a researcher and intern supporting immigrant communities impacted by the aftermath of 9/11 and at a nonprofit serving newly arrived immigrants — the very organization he would go on to lead more than a decade later. His Division III focused on the new generation of immigrants arriving in New York City and their fight for survival and dignity, a project that became the foundation for his lifelong work.

While at Hampshire, Castro was also deeply involved in student organizing, taking his studies beyond theory and into action. He coordinated a major contingent of the Immigrant Workers Freedom Rides from the Five College area — a historic mobilization inspired by the civil rights movement — and organized a major rally in the town of Amherst as part of the National Day of Action for Immigrant Rights, one of the largest mobilizations in U.S. immigrant rights history. During this time, he built strong ties with local immigrant communities in Western Massachusetts, uplifting their struggles through his organizing and academic work.

Castro was elected by students to serve multiple terms on Hampshire’s Community Council and on the Board of Trustees as the student representative.

“We are thrilled to have Manny Castro join us as this year’s keynote speaker,” said President Ed Wingenbach. “His remarkable leadership and dedication to immigration rights, anti-racism and justice align perfectly with Hampshire College’s values of inclusion and the pursuit of a just and equitable society. Manny’s personal journey and professional contributions serve as an inspiring example for our graduates.”