Baruch College Announces Class of 2025 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

May 6, 2025

Baruch College named Liam Cooper and Ali Darwish, respectively, as Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2025.

Both students were selected for their academic excellence, leadership in community engagement, and communication skills.

Cooper will deliver the valedictory address at Baruch College’s Commencement Ceremony on May 28 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Darwish will serve as the featured speaker at the College’s Student Achievement Awards on May 12.

Liam Cooper: A Future in Environmental Law

Valedictorian Liam Cooper, a Macaulay Honors College student, will graduate from Baruch with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and minors in Environmental Sustainability and New York City Studies.

“I feel so honored and humbled to receive this distinction. In a way, it validates all my hard work throughout my undergraduate career.

“I have had my nose in the books for so long that sometimes I can lose sight of the big picture, so this is really special,” Cooper said. “Graduating with a 4.0 is already rewarding in and of itself, so being selected as the Valedictorian is the biggest cherry on top!”

Throughout his time at Baruch, Cooper has excelled academically while pursuing professional work experiences and giving back to the Baruch community. His internships include work with the Environmental Defense Fund, the New York State Attorney General’s Environmental Protection Bureau, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and the CUNY India Pollution Study. With these opportunities, Cooper gained first-hand experience in climate policy, environmental research, air quality monitoring, and sustainable finance.

Alongside his academic and professional work, Cooper has been an active campus leader and peer-mentor. He served as a Resident Assistant, vice president of the Pre-Law Society, and a peer mentor with T.E.A.M. Baruch co-teaching the First Year Seminar. He also worked with Simplifi EDU as a science and math tutor, helping middle and high school students succeed in the classroom.

As a student-athlete, Cooper captained Baruch’s NCAA Division III Varsity Tennis Team, leading them to multiple CUNYAC championships while promoting teamwork, mentorship, and Bearcat pride. He also served as a student leader in GLASS, Baruch’s LGBTQ+ student organization.

Cooper’s leadership and service have been recognized nationally. He received an Honorable Mention from the Udall Foundation for his commitment to environmental work, was honored by the Suffolk County Legislature for co-founding “Bottles for Change” — a nonprofit focused on sustainability and upcycling — and was named the 2021 Military Child of the Year for the U.S. Coast Guard, a national recognition for character, resilience, and volunteerism.

Cooper will continue his studies in Sustainability Management at Columbia University, where he was named a Columbia SPS CUNY Fellow. He plans to pursue a career in environmental law.

“My time at Baruch was undoubtedly the best four years of my life. I have cultivated lifelong friendships, worked with extraordinary mentors and professors, and have been able to participate in athletics, clubs, and fellowships on campus.”

Cooper added, “On a personal note, the community at Baruch has heightened my self-confidence and made me want to better myself in every facet of my life. The love I have for Baruch truly cannot be summarized in words.”

Ali Darwish: Career Focus: Cybersecurity

Salutatorian Ali Darwish, a Provost Scholar Honors Student, will graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems with a concentration in Risk Management and Cybersecurity, and a minor in Law and Policy.

“Being named Salutatorian means to me that anyone can find community at Baruch, even if they move without any family besides their brother and no connections here,” Darwish stated, as a transfer student and native of Egypt.

“I think I just represent a standing opportunity for all students to find family in a new country. It is proof that if you put yourself out there and get involved, you can not only succeed academically but also create a meaningful life here. The honor is special because it reflects not just my academic work but also the incredible support system I found at Baruch.”

Through his time at Baruch, Darwish has combined academic excellence with internship-based professional experience and a deep commitment to student leadership and service. He has completed internships in cybersecurity, risk management, and business development with Mideast Communication Systems in Cairo, Egypt, Blackstone LaunchPad, and Technical Consulting & Research — building skills in cybersecurity analysis, risk mitigation, and technology consulting.

On campus, Darwish has been a dedicated student leader committed to building community and supporting his peers. He serves as president of Baruch’s ISACA Cybersecurity Chapter, vice president of the Model United Nations Club, and Founder and Secretary of the Good E.A.T.S. Club — Baruch’s first international food club focused on cultural connection and belonging.

Darwish worked at the New Student Programs & Family Programs office as a Transfer Peer Mentor, helping new transfer students navigate their transition to Baruch College. He also welcomed incoming students at Transfer and Honors Orientation as Bernie the Bearcat, Baruch’s beloved mascot, and worked as an Administrative Aide in the Baruch Writing Center. He has also served as a student advocate with the Undergraduate Student Government’s Legislative Affairs Committee.

He writes a food column for The Ticker, Baruch’s student newspaper, helping students connect with local food culture across New York City.

Darwish looks forward to pursuing a career in cybersecurity and risk consulting, bringing with him a passion for innovation, mentorship, and creating inclusive spaces where students feel welcomed and supported.

“The combination of technical challenges and real-world impact is what keeps me passionate about this field,” Darwish says. “There’s something rewarding about helping people and organizations from threats they might not even see coming. Plus, the field is constantly evolving, which means I will never stop learning.”

Darwish credits much of his journey to his found family here on campus and back home, especially the example and encouragement provided by his older brother, a 2024 Baruch graduate.

2025 Commencement Ceremony

Baruch College will hold its 2025 Commencement Ceremony for undergraduate and graduate students on Wednesday, May 28 at Barclays Center at 620 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. The ceremony, which begins at 9:00 am, will also be livestreamed on the Baruch College website.

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