Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremonies

Commencement Ceremony Overview

Introduction by Master of Ceremonies

• Michael Myers, Executive Vice President and CIO of Anna Maria College, welcomes attendees to the commencement exercises.

• The procession order is outlined: Class of 2025, faculty, student speaker, national anthem singer, administration and staff, board of trustees, honorary degree recipient Kelsa Zireski.

• Ms. Zireski will be accompanied by Trustee Chair David Treanor; the final participants are Bishop Robert J. McManus and President Mary Lou Rittel.

Academic Procession

• Faculty tradition involves clapping for graduates as they enter; attendees are invited to stand during this moment.

• The ceremony officially opens with a declaration from Myers; Kayla Drew performs the national anthem.

Invocation and Blessing

Prayer by Father Steve Lundergren

• Invocation begins with a prayer asking for God's presence and gratitude for graduates' talents.

• A request is made for courage and support for graduates in their future endeavors.

President's Address

Welcome Message

• Mary Lou Rittel greets attendees on behalf of the Board of Trustees and acknowledges key figures present at the ceremony.

Reflections on Leadership

• Rittel shares that this is her last commencement as president after four decades in higher education.

• She emphasizes that students have transformed into a collective force ready to impact various sectors post-graduation.

Challenges Facing Higher Education

• Rittel addresses skepticism surrounding college degrees amidst criticism linking them to broader societal issues.

• She cautions against hastily dismantling the U.S. higher education system which has been globally admired.

Commitment to Student Success

• Emphasizes Anna Maria College’s dedication to nurturing not just academic minds but also character through personal connections.

• Acknowledges diverse backgrounds among students including first-generation scholars balancing work while pursuing education.

Commencement Address Highlights

Community and Values

• The college environment is described as a supportive community where faculty act as career mentors, coaches build character, and staff provide life skills. This creates a surrogate family atmosphere.

• Mission and values are emphasized as integral to the educational experience, not just abstract concepts.

Gratitude and Optimism for Graduates

• The speaker expresses gratitude for serving the community and optimism for the future graduates will create, highlighting their role as ambassadors of possibility.

• Graduates are encouraged to be the backbone of communities, embodying the college's mission and making a difference in people's lives.

Acknowledgment of Achievements

• The speaker conveys pride in the graduates' accomplishments during their education at Anna Maria College, emphasizing confidence in their future contributions.

Introduction of Student Speaker

• Executive Vice President Michael Myers introduces Carly Drew, a psychology major from Rochester, Massachusetts, who has excelled academically and athletically.

• Carly's extensive involvement includes roles such as resident assistant and team captain across multiple sports.

Reflections on College Experience

• Carly expresses gratitude towards President Mary Leroy-Retell for her support during her tenure at Anna Maria College.

• She acknowledges mixed feelings about graduation—excitement paired with apprehension about leaving a familiar environment.

Embracing Independence

• Carly reflects on the transition from high school to college life, noting challenges like living with strangers and managing responsibilities independently.

Comfort Zones and Growth

• She discusses how embracing discomfort is essential for personal growth; this theme is reinforced by a bracelet gift that reads "great things never come from comfort zones."

Collective Accomplishments of Class of 2025

• Carly highlights collective achievements: internships completed, athletic successes, dramatic performances, leadership roles in campus events—all contributing to their unique journey through college.

Graduation Ceremony Reflections

Celebrating Accomplishments

• The speaker emphasizes pride in achievements, acknowledging the hard work and challenges faced by graduates and attendees.

• A call to remember the small moments that shape personal identity as they transition into the next chapter of their lives.

Embracing Challenges

• Encouragement to step out of comfort zones, highlighting that great things come from pushing limits.

• Gratitude expressed towards Anna Maria College for fostering growth in various aspects: athletic, academic, and personal development.

Honorary Degree Presentations

Introduction of Honorary Recipients

• Invitation extended to Board of Trustee Vice Chair Kimberly Kennedy to present the first honorary degree recipient.

Honoring President Mary Lou Rattell

• Presentation of an honorary degree to President Mary Lou Rattell for her dedicated service at Anna Maria College since 2011.

• Recognition of her leadership during a presidential search and her focus on student needs while building connections across departments.

Contributions Under Leadership

• Overview of accomplishments during Rattell's presidency: strategic planning, partnerships, grants, facility updates, and community representation.

• Highlighting Rattell’s extensive experience in higher education administration and her commitment to student-centered leadership.

Legacy and Impact

Lasting Influence on Students

• Acknowledgment of Rattell's dedication to prioritizing students' education throughout her tenure at Anna Maria College.

Awarding Honorary Degrees

• Presentation of Doctor of Humane Letters degree to Mary Lou Rattell as a token of gratitude for her impactful service.

Community Leadership Recognition

Introduction of Kelsa Zereski

• Invitation for Kelsa Zereski, a respected nonprofit executive and community leader, to receive an honorary award degree.

Contributions Through Reliant Foundation

• Discussion on Zereski’s role in leading efforts at Reliant Foundation addressing public health issues through funding support for nonprofits.

Record-Breaking Achievements

• Notable mention that under Zereski's leadership, Reliant Foundation awarded $1 million in community grants in 2024—its largest distribution ever.

Community Engagement

• Overview of Zereski’s involvement with various nonprofit boards and local organizations emphasizing her commitment to community service.

Final Honors Bestowed

Awarding Doctorate Degree

• Formal conferral of Doctor of Public Administration degree upon Kelsa Zereski by the authority vested through the Board of Trustees.

Graduation Speech for the Class of 2025

Celebrating Accomplishments and New Beginnings

• Thank you to President Rattell, faculty, families, and friends for gathering to celebrate the graduating class of 2025. This moment marks not just accomplishments but the beginning of a complex journey ahead. Life will not follow a straightforward path as outlined in plans or checklists.

Embracing Discomfort

• The speaker emphasizes that life will surprise and test graduates, urging them to "get comfortable being uncomfortable." Discomfort is often a sign of growth rather than failure. Graduates should embrace new challenges and roles as they step outside their comfort zones.

Building Support Networks

• At Anna Maria College, graduates have built supportive circles with classmates, teachers, coaches, and family. As they move forward, it's crucial to continue seeking mentors and nurturing friendships that challenge them positively. Leaning on one another is essential for personal growth.

The Importance of Giving Back

• Inspired by his grandfather's motto "keep smiling," the speaker encourages graduates to give back to their communities through time, compassion, and strength. They are reminded that their education has prepared them not only academically but also in character and resilience. Continuous learning should be pursued beyond graduation as well.

Cultivating Hope and Resilience

• Graduates are encouraged to maintain hope even during challenging times; hope is described as courageous rather than naive. Asking for help is highlighted as an act of bravery. The speaker concludes by stating that the world needs compassionate individuals who can contribute positively through small acts over time.

Academic Recognition

• Dr. Chioma Uwuchuku presents the Class of 2025 to President Rotel after confirming that all members have fulfilled academic requirements for their degrees with faculty recommendations acknowledged during this formal recognition ceremony at Anna Maria College.

Graduation Honors

• Students graduating with Latin honors are recognized: cum laude (GPA 3.5 - 3.69) and magna cum laude (GPA 3.7 - 3.89). These distinctions highlight academic excellence among graduates during the ceremony proceedings at Anna Maria College.

Graduation Ceremony Highlights

Academic Honors and Recognition

• Students achieving a GPA of 3.9 or better graduate summa cum laude, receiving the highest praise. Graduates wearing colored cords signify membership in academic honor societies, with cord colors indicating specific honors.

Master’s Degree Recipients

• The following students received their Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology: Ama Botema Asiyama, Christine Rose Barbritis, Gibrila Barry, Savannah DeSousa, Margarita Dono, Iriannes Escalera, Claudia Daniela Luis, and Dominique Matras.

• Graduates from the Master of Arts in Integrated Media Design include Arian Batra and others such as Cassandra Preston-Mickle Savage and Johnny Cam Newn.

• Notable graduates from the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry include Author Bernard O'Leary III along with several others pursuing various fields like Business Administration and Education.

Bachelor’s Degree Achievements

• Graduates from the Bachelor of Music program include Juanita Patricia Fini among others recognized for their achievements.

• The Bachelor of Arts degree was awarded to Elizabeth Bobby Anderson and many others including Tanya Alate and Gabriel Hugh Amsad Jr., with some graduating summa cum laude.

Honors within Bachelor’s Degrees

• Several students were recognized for their high academic achievements: Nathaniel O'Genero Itubu graduated summa cum laude alongside Sultana Gliqria Kalapuka; Anna Marie Mann graduated magna cum laude; Cynthia Marie Martinez graduated cum laude.

• Additional honors included Sydney Elizabeth Steben and Mad Sullivan graduating summa cum laude among other notable graduates like Hevia Vieira who also achieved this distinction.

Diverse Fields of Study

• The ceremony highlighted graduates from various disciplines including:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

• Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security.

Graduates included Oluwa Fifehan Aramide Badejo and Carol Mea who graduated summa cum laude respectively.

Final Recognitions

• The event concluded with acknowledgments for graduates across multiple programs such as Nursing, Health Administration, Forensic Science, Paramedic Science among others highlighting significant achievements like magna cum laude distinctions for several students including Natalie Bogard and Quinley Garcia-Chain.

Graduation Ceremony Highlights

Introduction of Graduates

• Liam Ward and other graduates are introduced, highlighting their degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management.

• A list of graduates is presented, culminating in a call for all graduates to stand and move their tassels to the left as a symbol of graduation.

Awards Presentation

Bishop Timothy J. Harrington Award

• The Bishop Timothy J. Harrington Award is introduced, recognizing students who demonstrate compassionate service promoting peace and justice.

• This year's recipient is noted for their role as an accelerated degree honor student majoring in criminal justice while working as a 911 dispatcher.

• The awardee's community engagement includes teaching bike safety and assisting with hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina.

Sister Yvette Bell Rose Award

• The Sister Yvette Bell Rose Award recognizes students embodying the values of Annemarie College's mission, focusing on education and service to vulnerable populations.

• This year’s recipient has shown leadership through various roles, including executive leader of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Dr. Bernadette Madore Award

• The Dr. Bernadette Madore Award for Academic Excellence honors the graduating senior with the highest GPA among full-time students at Annemarie College.

• This year’s award goes to a psychology honors student who has excelled academically while actively participating in campus life as a resident assistant and athlete.

Closing Remarks

• Gratitude is expressed towards attendees for making the ceremony memorable; families are invited to take pictures with graduates after the event.

• A benediction led by His Excellency Robert J. McManus emphasizes blessings for graduates as they embark on new journeys post-graduation.

Benediction Insights

• The benediction calls upon God’s blessings for graduates, encouraging them to cherish their achievements and use their education compassionately in service to others.