80th Commencement Exercises
Elms College held its 80th commencement exercises May 14, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachussetts, where 341 women and men received their degrees, going from being students to alumni.
The students who crossed the commencement stage came from as close as Chicopee and as far as Zambia. Some completed their degrees after four years of full-time study, and others took longer to reach their goal, all while balancing part-time study with full-time work and living. They were all able to at last celebrate their hard work among their family, friends, classmates, and the college staff and faculty who helped them on their journey.
The college awarded 10 associate's degrees, 117 bachelor of arts degrees, and 145 bachelor of science degrees. Seventy-three students earned master's degrees in fields including education, teaching, autism spectrum disorders, nursing, and applied theology. Six students earned certificates of advanced graduate study.
Saying goodbye to a graduating class is a bittersweet joy for a college president. See what Elms President Mary Reap offered as her final remarks to this year's graduates at our 80th Commencement.
Dr. John Paul Lederach, professor of international peacebuilding at the University of Notre Dame's Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, offered this advice to our students: "hold fast to dreams." Listen to his masterful address to the class of 2011.
Eleanor Spring is a Sister of St. Joseph and a Distinguished Alumna of Elms College. She was this year's recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for her devotion to improving the lives of others through teaching and offering help to those in need.
Several distinguished guests joined Elms College faculty and staff on the commencement stage this year. See what advice and comments they had to offer to the graduating class.
Sarah Donais earned her title as valedictorian with a 4.0 average she maintained even with two majors - CSD and education. Read her commencement address to the Elms College family.
Revisit all the events leading up to Commencement and view photos of our students celebrating their achievements.
Revisit all the events leading up to Commencement and view photos of our students celebrating their achievements.
The commencement ceremony is a formal rite of passage, and as such we honor the traditions of the academy as we recognize academic and personal excellence among our graduates and alumni.
Richard A. Yanikoski, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) in Washington, D.C., will deliver the 2010 Elms College commencement address.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is given annually to a graduate who has distinguished herself or himself through exemplary service to profession, community, family, and religious life.
The Via Veritatis Award is presented annually to an outstanding Catholic woman who exemplifies Catholic womanhood and culture at their best, and who has made significant contributions to society.