Presidential Remarks

Mary Reap, IHM, Ph.D.

To the Class of 2011, who in just a few minutes will pass from student status to that of alumni, you know that we have set a high bar for you as graduates of the College of Our Lady of the Elms. By awarding you a diploma today, your faculty has determined that you have completed all the requirements of your degree. Upon their recommendation, the Board of Trustees, seated behind me, has approved this award.

There is still a few minutes left and they are watching you, so, be careful...

This is a milestone day for the graduates, of course, but, also for the many people behind the scenes who share with you the joy of this moment; Parents, who sacrificed financially and in so many other ways, spouses and friends, who prepared meals, typed papers, watched the children so you could study, donors who provided scholarships and financial aid, your faculty and the Elms staff who helped you get beyond the difficult moments. I know you have learned that faith, family, and friends are, perhaps, the greatest gifts life offers. Be sure you take a moment to say thank you to all who are a gift to you.

Some of you are the first in your family to receive a college degree. What a great day for your families. Some of you have traveled here from distant lands to find a better life, and, you have. And all of you have accomplished a milestone that even today is achieved by only about 25% of our population. There is much to be grateful for.

And, speaking of thanks, I want to spend my final moment with the class of 2011 expressing the gratitude on behalf of all of us, to you. You are the reason we come to work every day, you are the source of our pride, you are the proof that what we do is worth it all. You leave the College a better institution because of your many contributions in the classroom, in sports, in service to others, and in just being the fine people you are.

My remarks are getting long because we really do not want to say good-bye, but the moment you have worked for so long and hard is at hand. You are ready to take all that you have learned here, to share it with all you meet, and to make this gift of a college education make a difference, to make a difference for you, and to make a difference for the next generation who are counting on you to help create a more just and a more peaceful world.

I leave you with a salute from all of us for a job well done and with best wishes for much happiness and success.