More than 12,000 family members and friends filled the XL Center in Hartford on Tuesday, May 17, to cheer on their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, as 1,221 undergraduates and 56 graduate students received their diplomas at Eastern Connecticut State University's 126th Commencement exercises.
Rory ODonnell of Redding, CT, recieved a graduate degree in Secondary Education. ODonnell is a resident of Redding, CT.
Jerry Franklin, CEO and president of the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa during the Commencement Exercises, and offered remarks following presentation of his honorary degree.
Franklin has served as CEO and president of CPBN for more than 30 years. Through CPTV, the state's only public television broadcasting network, and WNPR, Connecticut's leading National Public Radio affiliate, CPBN serves Connecticut as well as areas of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York - reaching an estimated 450,000 television viewers and 276,000 radio listeners each week.
During his tenure at CPBN, Franklin has led a growth in programming ranging from the Infinity Hall music concert series to playing a leadership role in bringing children's programming such as "Barney and Friends," "Bob the Builder" and "Thomas and Friends" to public television.
Speaking to the graduates, Franklin said, "You may feel overwhelmed by today's events...it feels like the world is coming unglued. You may see these times as a pivotal point in human history. It is where we have always been. Life is all about moments of transition. Tonight you are coming to the end of your college phase, bringing you back to a beginning, a new start. Do not be afraid of this time. Adjusting to change is what life is all about, and the liberal arts undergraduate degree you have earned is the first step toward your success."
Other speakers at the Commencement Exercises included Eastern President Elsa Nunez; attorney David Jimenez, who represented the Board of Regents for Higher Education; Senior Class President Bryan Hayes, and Gabriela Wrobel '16, who delivered the Senior Class Address. Other members of the platform party included Willimantic Mayor Ernie Eldridge; Justin Murphy '98, president of the ECSU Foundation; Ellen Lang '81, president of the ECSU Alumni Association; Father Larry LaPointe; and other Eastern officials.
Nunez told the graduates, "Our nation and the global society we live in look to you for leadership. As you begin your career, take care of yourself, take care of your families, but make sure that you take time to help others when you can. You will find that supporting and helping others strengthens you. St. Francis of Assisi once said, 'Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing that you have received...but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.' May each of you have a long, successful life, marked by courage, strengthened through sacrifice, and enriched by service to others."
As Connecticut's only public liberal arts university, Eastern draws students from 158 of the state's 169 towns. Approximately 85 percent of graduates stay in Connecticut to launch their careers, contribute to their communities and raise their families.
Mark Ojakian, president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System, also brought greetings. "I hope you feel an immense sense of pride for the unique contributions to Eastern. You have pushed yourself to succeed despite life's numerous challenges. I am inspired by what you have achieved. You are Connecticut's future leaders, its future workforce, and members of our state's communities. Now go out and make us proud!"
From the Governor's Foot Guard Color Guard in attendance, to the plaintive sound of the bagpipes of the St. Patrick's Pipe Band and the pre-event music of the Thread City Brass Quintet, this year's graduation ceremonies again reflected the University's Commencement traditions of dignity and grace. University Senate President Gregory Kane presided over the commencement exercises; seniors Shelby Larsen, Caitlin McDonough, Delaney Jordan, Moriah Parrett, Alexis Kurtz and Judy Reid sang "America the Beautiful"; Senior Courtney Callaway gave the invocation; and Business Administration Professor Jeffrey Schaller was recognized as the 2016 Distinguished Professor Award recipient.
Founded in 1889, Eastern Connecticut State University is the state's public liberal arts university and one of only 29 such designated institutions in North America. Eastern is home to 5,300 students who come from 158 of Connecticut's 169 townships, from 20 states throughout the country, and from 63 foreign countries. As a predominantly residential campus, Eastern has approximately 60 percent of undergraduate students living on its beautiful campus. With more than 150 buildings and 2.3 million square feet of space, Eastern's physical plant is admired by students and visitors alike; in January 2016, a new Fine Arts Center opened, further advancing Eastern's liberal arts mission.
The university offers 38 undergraduate majors, 55 minors, and seven master's degree programs. An excellent student/teacher ratio (15.5:1) and small class sizes (average class size is 23.3) allow students to receive exceptional personal attention.
It is the policy of Eastern Connecticut State University to ensure equal access to its events. If you are an individual with a disability and will need accommodations for this event, please contact the Office of University Relations at (860) 465-5735.