SPRINGFIELD – The College of Our Lady of the Elms celebrated its 93rd commencement on May 18 by awarding degrees and certificates to 402 undergraduate and graduate students.
The ceremony featured 283 undergraduate students and 119 graduate students receiving diplomas.
The main speaker was Marjorie Hass, president of the Council of Independent Colleges, representing more than 700 smaller colleges across the United States including Elms College. Hass also received an honorary doctorate as did Rev. John Unni, pastor at St. Cecilia Parish in Boston, and Johnnella Butler ‘68, professor emerita of comparative women’s studies at Spelman College.
Hass in her remarks encouraged graduates to put down their phones, eliminate distractions, and focus all their energy and attention on things they are passionate about.
Elms President Dr. Harry E. Dumay, Ph.D MBA, also spoke, encouraging graduates to appreciate their families and all those who supported them through school and to remember Elms’s four pillars of faith, community, justice, and excellence in all their future endeavors.
Sister Elizabeth Sullivan, president of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, urged graduates to always remember their dreams because listening to dreams often is what empowers a person to accomplish their goals.
For more information on commencement, go to the Elms College Commencement 24 webpage at https://commencement.elms.edu/
Photos from commencement may be found on the Elms Flickr account at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBmLxE
Photos top to bottom:
1: Dr. Harry E. Dumay hands a diploma to a graduate
2: Happy members of the Class of ‘24 file into auditorium.
3: Main speaker Marjorie Hass
