Commencement Greetings
Invocation
Carol Allan, SSJ, M.A.A.T.
God of Wisdom, We gather this morning, with hearts filled with joy and gratitude for the graduating Class of 2012. We gather to celebrate this momentous occasion that signifies another phase on their journey through life.
Graduates, you came to the Elms with a youthfulness of awe and wonder, now you leave Elms as mature, educated professionals.
You garnered strength from one another. You learned to be courageous and to speak out. You were strong in carrying your academic studies. You were uncompromising in standing for values. You sacrificed when necessary with tenderness and compassion for others. You faced injustices in our world and became witnesses to your faith.
God, we continue to ask for your blessing upon the graduates as they bring their knowledge and experience to the world.
Wisdom Spirit, Teach us all to listen and trust in our dreams. Help us to be vigilant and responsive to the world in which we live. Show us how to elevate our work to be sacred. Remind us to be humble and to simplify. Strengthen us in our resolve to help others. We gather strength and peace in Your promises, Oh Spirit. Stay with us during our life's transitions and journeys. We ask all this is your name. Amen.
Trustee Greetings
Linda K. C. Mansfield '77 , Chair, Board of Trustees
"Viam Veritatis Elegi"
I have chosen the way of truth.
Graduates, parents, family members... honored guests, faculty, staff, and friends -
On behalf of the trustees of the College of Our Lady of the Elms, it is my distinct privilege and special honor to offer greetings to this ensemble...and to congratulate you, to welcome, and to thank you.
This morning we offer congratulations to each graduate for your individual achievements.
We thank you for your contributions to the Elms community. And, as a member of the class of 1977, I personally welcome you to the fellowship of Elms College alumni.
To the parents, family, friends, faculty and staff who are gathered here, we share your pride in the accomplishments of these men and women.
We join them in thanking you for all you have done to help them arrive at this day, for every graduate has relied upon a wealth of support to complete this milestone in their academic career.
Students, as you walk across this stage today to accept your diploma, you are ready to take on the next great challenge of your lives. And what remarkable lives you will live!
As you grapple with the great challenges and opportunities ahead, I urge you to be mindful of the motto of the College of Our Lady of the Elms: Viam Veritatis Elegi - I have chosen the way of truth.
For you, and from here, "The way of truth" goes far beyond the search for objective truth and reaches deep into what it means to be human. It is the moral compass that provides you with the capacity to exercise sound judgment and act justly, choosing proper means to achieve good ends. It is at the core of the mission and values of the College of Our Lady of the Elms.
As you leave this college use it as your personal compass and be confident that you are well prepared, both intellectually and morally, to fulfill all of the aspirations reflected in our motto - Viam Veritatis Elegi - I have chosen the way of truth.
Take with you the lessons learned, apply them with fortitude, ....with compassion and in service, for it is you our graduates that shape the reputation and legacy of this institution.
As you pursue your life's goals, we ask that you remember and honor your College and your fellow alumni. We hope you will continue to think of this community as family and as your home. We bid you farewell as students and welcome you home as alumni. We invite you to return to your beloved College often, to inspire our next generation of students with your experience, your wisdom and your achievements.
You will always be welcome here and anyplace where Elms College Blazers gather.
Presentation from Alumni Association
Patrick Carpenter '02, President
On behalf of the over nine thousand of us across the country, I would like to welcome the class of 2012 to the Elms College Alumni Association.
Now that you have your degree firmly in hand and all of your years of hard work have finally come to fruition, you might be asking yourselves, "What now? What role does Elms College play in my life from here on out?" And, just as important, "What is expected of me as an alum of this great institution?" I am going to share with you three simple things that we ask of all of our alumni.
- Pray for us. Pray for us that we continue to fulfill the mission of this college and that we continue to make good on the promise that was made by our founders, the Sisters of Saint Joseph, some 84 years ago.
- Speak well of us. Be a great spokesperson for your alma mater. You have spent many years with Elms College. It is in you, it is part of who you have become. In the interactions you have with friends, colleagues and family, be proud to share with them the transformative experiences you had as a student here. When speaking with young people who are eager to attend college themselves, introduce them to Elms College as an excellent option for fulfilling their dream of obtaining a college education. It has been a light for you; let it be a light for others.
- When the time comes, support the college. There are many ways in which you can engage Elms College in the future. Come to events, join the Alumni Board, stay in touch with your friends, make sure to attend your reunion celebrations, check the alumni Facebook page and keep cheering for the Blazers. Your support and input can help shape what the Elms College of tomorrow will look like. Remember, good colleges become great colleges because of their alumni and strong alumni support. Many of you have benefited from the kindness and generosity of others during your time as students. It is now your turn to carry that torch by helping to make an Elms College education possible for future students.
My friends, we all have the highest hopes for each and every one of you. We know you will do great things in the world in whatever field you choose to pursue. I will leave you with this: people always talk about the Elms Great Heart. You felt that heart as students, in fact, you helped it to grow. As alumni, I urge you to help us keep that heart beating for future generations of students. The benefits of staying connected with the college are many. Stay in touch with us and experience the power of our network of alumni who are eager to help you take the next step in life.
Class of 2012, in the words of Henry David Thoreau, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined," and always keep Elms College in your hearts. Congratulations and best of luck!