84 receive degrees at Eastern's graduate hooding ceremony
Secretary of the State Denise Merrill delivers commencement address
Willimantic, CT (05/16/2022) — With more than 250 guests joining the graduating class and their faculty, the Concert Hall in the Fine Arts Instructional Center at Eastern Connecticut State University was at full capacity on May 14 for Eastern's Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony for master's degree graduates. Eighty-four students received degrees in eight Master of Science programs, including 11 students in Accounting, six in Organizational Management, and 67 in six different Education programs.
Denise Merrill, secretary of the State of Connecticut, gave the commencement address, telling the graduates to dream big. "When someone asks you to do something . . . take the leap . . . Ask 'why not me?' Make the change you've been waiting for. Don't sit on the sidelines. Don't complain and not do anything about it. Build the world you want to see."
Merrill described the past two years as "tough," with COVID, violence at home and abroad, and climate change as three reasons why "the world can seem a pretty daunting place." But she said the graduates were lucky, because they were graduating "into a world that wants you, into a world that needs you right now." Citing high tech job openings at companies such as Electric Boat, Merrill said, "Opportunity is everywhere, especially for college graduates."
Merrill also urged the graduates to engage in a life of public service by voting in elections, running for local offices and being part of what she called "the most enduring democracy on Earth."
The morning event began with a beautiful rendition of "America the Beautiful," sung by Music major Samantha Warshauer '22, followed by video greetings from Matt Fleury, chair of the Board of Regents of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System.
Tanisha Markland '22, a graduate of the Organizational Management Program, gave remarks on behalf of the students. "As an adult learner who works two jobs while balancing work and family commitments, there was no shortage of feeling that there were not enough hours in a day to do all the work," said Markland. "But with certainty I say this today, it was all worth it!
"My fellow graduates, we are here today because we faced our fears and persevered," continued Markland. "Some of us may have lost family members or close friends but we are here today because we persevered. Along the journey, we faced adversities, yet we didn't settle; we chose to forge ahead. The world is waiting for us to make a difference; Class of 2022, I implore you to go make a difference in somebody's life."
Following Merrill's commencement address, Eastern President Elsa Nunez also offered words of encouragement to the graduates. "You are self-disciplined, highly motivated, and make us all very proud. I want you to be proud of yourself, firm in your convictions, and confident in your abilities.
"I know that many of our graduates today have earned their degrees while working full-time as schoolteachers or in other professional settings. You have been juggling work, school, family responsibilities and other obligations . . . Completing your master's program is a symbol of your commitment to lifelong learning, and an opportunity for you to make even greater contributions in your jobs and communities with the knowledge and skills that you have developed."
The event concluded with each graduate donning their ceremonial hoods, assisted by members of the Graduate Faculty. Father Jonathan Ficara of Our Lady Queen of Peace gave the benediction, while Grand Marshal Andrew Utterback served as master of ceremonies.
STUDENT QUOTES
Samantha Hayward, M.S. in Educational Studies with an emphasis in dual language teaching, said with her degree, "I get to teach English and Spanish, something I have always wanted to do." Hayward works at North Windham Elementary School.
Charlene Brodeur, also an Educational Studies graduate, is a mother of two who teaches preschool in Plainfield, CT. Enrolled as a part-time graduate student, Brodeur took five years to complete her degree. "Succeeding in earning my degree has been a wonderful experience."
"Never give up on your dreams," said Ayesha Asim, who graduated with her M.S. in Accounting.
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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving more than 4,300 students annually on its Willimantic campus. In addition to attracting students from 163 of Connecticut's 169 towns, Eastern also draws students from 31 states and 10 countries. A residential campus offering 41 majors and 65 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal art foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities. Ranked as the #1 public regional university in New England by U.S. News & World Report in its 2020, 2021 and 2022 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review 12 years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.
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