The
ceremony, which was presided over by MxCC President Dr. Anna Wasescha, opened
with an inspiring rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” sung by Aja
Wilson, MxCC employee. Dr. Wasescha then addressed the students,
calling on them to “take what you have learned here and flourish in your lives
and in your work.”
Meriden Mayor Michael S. Rohde and Middletown Mayor
Daniel Drew welcomed students and families, congratulating them on their
successes. Nicholas Reyna, MxCC student poet, read an original piece titled, “Essence
of Existence: My Ode to MxCC.” Reyna credited MxCC with providing him with
“infinite inspiration” to write and create.
The
keynote commencement address was given by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal who
complimented the graduates for being part of a generation that “rejects the
notion of fitting in to one mold or one pattern” and instead being “ceiling
breakers.” He also challenged the
audience to leave a better America for all who follow, a mission he says is
“uniquely American.”
During the
ceremony, Paul Gudelski of Meriden and Dorota Klukowski of Newington were announced as class
valedictorians. MxCC Foundation Chairperson George
Eames presented the
Pritchett-Taylor Scholarships to Paul Gudelski of Meriden, Flavia Bird
of Meriden, and Leisa Allen of Branford who each had the highest cumulative GPA
in the class, and who completed the majority of their degree at MxCC. Additionally, MxCC presented the MxCC Distinguished
Service award to the Middlesex Institute for Lifelong Education (MILE)
program.
Dr. Wasescha conferred an honorary degree upon Hugh
Cox, a tireless supporter of community colleges in Connecticut and MxCC in
particular. For more than 40 years, Mr.
Cox dedicated his time and talents to support the community college system,
helping to improve countless lives.
Dr. Wasescha also conferred the status of professor
emeritus on Greg Horne, professor of psychology
and human services who will be retiring from teaching at MxCC after 41 years of
service. It is estimated that Professor
Horne has taught more than 10,000 students during his distinguished career.
The
graduating class consists of a truly diverse group of individuals from
throughout the region who attend the College at all stages of life: right after
high school, after serving in the military, after time in the workforce, or
after retiring from one career and starting another.
“Our graduates exemplify what can happen when
talented students take advantage of the academic and career programs at
Middlesex Community College,” said Dr. Wasescha. “Every year at graduation, we are reminded of
the positive impact of small classes, early connections with students, and a
faculty dedicated to teaching. That is
what we hear from students. And what we
celebrate, and want our community to know, is that our students are talented,
energetic, curious learners who have the capacity to make a positive difference
in the world. All of us at Middlesex are
proud to have had a hand in the success of our graduating students.”
Middletown residents and their degrees are:
Agnieszka Drozd, radiologic technology Amanda Byrd,
general studies
Amanda Colavito, human services Amanda Durno, general studies
Amelia Pramuka, general studies Ana
Sanchez, accounting
Andrew Carducci, fine arts graphic design Artha Slade, therapeutic recreation (certificate)
Audrey LaRosa, business administration Awilda Lopez, early childhood education
Brett Kummer, criminal justice Brittney
Edwards, human services
Charlene Hill, business administration Corey Robinson, general studies
Courtney Braccioforte, general studies Daniel Skurat, human services
David Fortuna, general studies Diamond
Indino, business administration
Enid Butts, human services Floyd
Warmsley III, manufacturing machine technology
Halima EL idrissi, biotechnology Heidi
Jolon, accounting
Hendrik Sorensen, accounting Ingrid
Campos, ophthalmic design and dispensing
Jacsen Cummings, communications Jaimie
Shaw, general studies
Janet Suquilanda, early childhood education Jason Goetz, general studies
Jill Montinieri, general studies John
Damboise, accounting
Jonathan Wright, manufacturing machine technology Kellie Robbins, therapeutic recreation
(certificate)
Leeanne Deleon, general studies Lisa
Gangone, business administration
Maureen Thomas, accounting Meghan
Watson, fine arts: graphic design
Melissa Kowaleski, human services Michael
Sullivan, criminal justice
Naomi Yiadom, biotechnology Olivia
Nimani, liberal arts and sciences
Pamela Barbee general studies R.
Scott Morley, marketing
Rachael Woolard, accounting Renae
LaCoss, business administration
Rose Mbanugo-Etuka, general studies Sam Chichester, communications
Samantha Corsini, general studies Sanila
Hossain, accounting
Shaina Owens, human services Shirley
James, therapeutic recreation (certificate)
Stephen DiCarlo, general studies Suolang
Jie, general studies
Thomas Artesani, manufacturing machine technology
Thomas Shea, general studies Thomas
Elem, general studies
Trevor Honer, general studies Tyler
Schoffstall, general studies
Victoria Buttaro, general studies Samantha
Cyr, general studies
Founded in 1966,
Middlesex Community College (www.mxcc.edu) is
part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System. In all it
does, Middlesex Community College strives to be the college of its community.
By providing high quality, affordable, and accessible education to a diverse
population, the college enhances the strengths of individuals through degree,
certificate, and lifelong learning programs that lead to university transfer,
employment, and an enriched awareness of our shared responsibilities as global
citizens. MxCC, recently named a "Great College to Work For" by The
Chronicle of Higher Education, offers more than 50 degree or certificate
programs at the main 38-acre campus in Middletown, the downtown Meriden Center,
and online.
# # #
No comments:
Post a Comment