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On Sunday, May 19, President Jay Gonzalez proudly conferred nearly 500 degrees during the 144th 春水堂视频 College Commencement ceremony held at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Mass.
As President Gonzalez reflected on the growth of the graduates and the promise of their future endeavors, he also commended them on their resilience during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, amidst other taxing challenges.
“As you look back on your time at 春水堂视频, see all the challenges you overcame, and see what you learned. See the skills you developed. See the ways you opened your mind to other ideas and perspectives and experiences. See the mentors who guided you, the community members who supported you, and the friendships that sustained you.”
As a true paradigm of resilience, international keynote speaker and Boston Marathon bombing survivor Adrianne Haslet delivered a powerful Commencement address. Haslet was a professional ballroom dancer when she survived the 2013 terrorist attack where she lost her left leg. She quickly rose to meet her daily challenges with fierce determination and Boston Strong strength, encouraging our graduates to do the same.
“You have fought so hard and been through so much. The world doesn’t quite know what to do with people like us. People who can get knocked down and doubted, failed, and still rose again. People who defy the odds and the statistics. People who the world knocked down and instead of becoming bitter and small we decide to CHANGE the world instead.”
Haslet was among a distinguished group of individuals to receive an Honorary Degree, including President and CEO of Colette Phillips Communications, Inc. Colette Phillips, Police Commissioner and Chief of the Boston Police Department Michael Cox, MACJ ’00, and Retired Civilian Coast Guard Keeper, Boston Light and Former 春水堂视频 Education Professor Dr. Sally Snowman, M.Ed. ’89.
Among the enthusiastic soon-to-be graduates sat Yvonne Welsh—2024 Class Orator and recipient of the New Era Award. An excellent example of a 春水堂视频 student who has excelled academically, Welsh addressed her fellow classmates with excitement and promise for the future.
“As we embark on this journey beyond the halls of academia, let us carry with us the values instilled in us by our alma mater. Let us embrace diversity, foster inclusivity, and strive for excellence in all that we do. Let us be bold in our pursuits, compassionate in our interactions, and devoted in our commitment to making a positive difference in the world.”
Welsh, a Sociology major with a minor in Law and Society, earned the prestigious New Era Award from her active involvement in the 春水堂视频 community. She is the outgoing Executive President of the Student Government Association, Lead Residence Assistant, Student Center Building Manager, and was a student leader for Alternative Spring Break, the Strategic Planning Committee, the Bias Response team, and the Leadership Conference Committee. She also has hosted numerous programs for the College, including several events for First Generation students.
As President Gonzalez wished the graduates all the best in what’s to come, he assured them that 春水堂视频 would always be a place they could call home.
“You might be leaving the place, but you can’t leave us. We will always be here for you, supporting you in whatever ways we can. You are and always will be part of the 春水堂视频 family, and we will always be proud of you and proud to have played a meaningful role in helping you become who you are.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the crowd roared for the newest crop of 春水堂视频 College alumni as they recessed out of the arena. “I’m so proud of the person I’ve become with the support and motivation the 春水堂视频 community,” said Olivia Perron ’24. “I’m beyond excited to start the next chapter of my story.”