“You should know that what you’ve accomplished at UNH Manchester inspires us. We’ve watched you grow and have learned much from you," said UNH Manchester Dean Mike Decelle at the college's 31st annual commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 19. "We know you’ll leverage your talents and the opportunities you‘ve created to make your mark on the world as citizens and leaders in business, government and nonprofit communities, and at home.”
University of New Hampshire President Mark Huddleston led the proceedings, which celebrated the achievements of 264 students. Held at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Manchester, the ceremony recognized 190 undergraduate and 74 graduate students who have earned an associate, bachelor's or master's degree at the University's Manchester campus.
"Increasingly, those who study higher education across America are paying closer attention to the essential role that gritty determination plays in academic achievement, and career and lifetime success," Huddleston said in his remarks. "But at UNH Manchester, you’ve had it all along." Read Huddleston's full speech
UNH Manchester alumna Kate Luczko, president and CEO of Stay Work Play New Hampshire, delivered the keynote address, which centered around "603 pride."
"If you want to leave a footprint, sometimes you have to step off the path," Luczko said. "If you don’t think there is greatness waiting for you here in New Hampshire, then create it." Read Luczko's full speech
The program included a student address by biological sciences graduate Bruce Rheaume and the presentation of the 2016 Granite State Award to Lillye Ramos-Spooner, director of operations at the Greater Manchester AIDS Project. The college also recognized Donald Plante, lecturer of mathematics, and Sonic Woytonik, adjunct professor of history, with Excellence in Teaching awards.
"I couldn’t be prouder to call UNH Manchester my alma mater," Rheaume said during his student address, "and I couldn’t be prouder to say that you are my fellow classmates." read rheaume's full speech
Congratulations to UNH Manchester Class of 2016! See the list of graduates
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Written By:
Kassidy Taylor | Marketing & Communications, UNH Manchester | kassidy.taylor@unh.edu
