Commencement 2009
Congratulations to our over 500 graduates!
More than 500 students received diplomas during Merrimack College’s 59th Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 17, 2009.
Commencement Highlights
-
Paul Reville, Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, was the keynote speaker and received an honorary degree Doctor of Education, honoris causa;
-
Two additional honorary degrees were conferred to John Kiser, III of The William and Mary Greve Foundation, Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa; and Fr. George Lawless, O.S.A., Doctor of Augustinian Education, honoris causa;
-
Dr. Wendy Nichols, assistant professor of communication arts and sciences, was named the 25th Edward G. Roddy, Jr. Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award;
-
Student speaker was Andrea Faris '09. See her address here.
-
Student Medals and Awards went to the highest academic performances in respective schools;
-
Joshua Maille accepted a Bachelor of Science, honoris causa, degree on behalf of his brother, the late Robert Maille, who passed away in a tragic swimming accident in August 2008. Robert’s name was listed alphabetically in the business section of the Commencement program with a notation of “posthumously.” Robert, who studied finance at Merrimack, would have been a senior at the College.
Memorable Quotes:
Merrimack President Dr. Ronald Champagne welcomed the graduates, stating:
“On this very special day – Class of 2009 – we celebrate your commencement – your beginning of the rest of your life’s journey… you are enlightened and empowered – and with this – we expect you to continue to engage the world and to accomplish great things.”
Paul Reville, Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
The speech encouraged students to “find a meaningful path through life” and work to find “the connections between existence and meaning – a reason to be.” The most memorable piece of advice Reville shared was “it’s time to dive in, and never forget, it’s all about the swim.”
Andrea Faris '09, Student Commencement Speaker:
“Merrimack College made good on its promise to Enlighten our Minds, Engage our Hearts, and Empower our Lives and in doing so commissioned us to be agents of change, beacons of hope, and leaders of the future.”