Southeastern University (SEU) welcomed White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as its Fall 2025 Commencement speaker on Friday, December 12. Leavitt delivered a virtual address live from the White House.
As the youngest press secretary in American history, Leavitt communicates the Trump Administration’s message to the nation, briefs the media and helps the public understand key decisions and priorities. She has been recognized for her bold communication, strong convictions and commitment to public service.
Leavitt got her start as a White House intern in the Office of Presidential Correspondence for President Donald Trump in 2018, later becoming the office’s associate director. She then served as an Assistant Press Secretary under former Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany from 2019 to 2020.
Leavitt returned to President Trump’s team in 2024, serving as National Press Secretary for his 2024 presidential campaign, which led her to be appointed to her current position as Assistant to the President and White House Press Secretary.
The ceremony was held on Victory Field at SEU’s Lakeland campus. As the university’s 90th graduating class, the Fall Class of 2025 included 616 graduates, bringing the total number of SEU graduates to 26,901.
The graduates originate from Florida, 43 other states and 18 countries, such as Uganda, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Haiti, Ireland, Albania, China and Mexico. Over 200 of the graduates come from 73 of the university’s partner sites.
The Fall Class of 2025 also included the first graduates from the SEU Trades program.