St. Mary's College of Maryland, the National Public Honors College, celebrated the graduation of 356 students on May 11, awarding degrees including Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Arts in Teaching. The commencement ceremony took place outdoors on the campus' Townhouse Green.
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD 5th), Maryland's longest-serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives, delivered the keynote address. Reflecting on the challenges faced by the graduates during the pandemic, Hoyer emphasized the significance of their perseverance and the joy of coming together for the ceremony.
"For while your generation knows better than any other the pain of being apart, you also know better than any other the joy that comes with joining together," Hoyer said. "Because you felt the sorrow of separation, you understand the importance of inclusion. You saw the devastation of distance, and now you have special appreciation for the pleasure of proximity."
Hoyer, who previously received an honorary degree from St. Mary's College in 1993 and spoke at the 2007 commencement, highlighted the resilience and unity demonstrated by the class of 2024.
President Tuajuanda C. Jordan, alongside Board of Trustees Chair Susan Dyer, presented an honorary degree to Lynn Pasquerella, a national leader in higher education. Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) since 2016, has had a distinguished career in academia, including positions as president of Mount Holyoke College, provost at the University of Hartford, and vice provost for academic affairs and dean of the graduate school at the University of Rhode Island.
Pasquerella earned her PhD in philosophy from Brown University, her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College, and an associate of arts degree from Quinebaug Valley Community College.
President Jordan, in her address to the graduates, urged them to recognize the broader societal context they are entering and to give back to their communities. "Recognize and understand the society into which you are now venturing. Give back. Remember the people who have not had the same opportunity, the same blessings, the same education you have. Live the St. Mary's Way," she said.
The ceremony also featured remarks from one of the five class valedictorians, selected by lottery to address the graduates. Sabrina Kuhn, a math major and educational studies minor, spoke about the resilience of her classmates, many of whom reached adulthood during a period of significant uncertainty due to the global pandemic.
"The fact that we all made it to graduation here today is a testament to the resilience of our generation," Kuhn said. She encouraged her peers to "go forward courageously, armed with knowledge and compassion from your time here, to make the world a better place."
The College recognized the six retiring faculty members: Karen Crawford, professor of biology; David Ellsworth, associate professor of film and media studies; Rachel Myerowitz, professor of biology; Elizabeth Osborn, professor of sociology; Larry Vote, professor of music; and Christine Wooley, professor of English. These educators collectively represent 161 years of teaching at St. Mary's College.
The commencement was live-streamed on the College's website for those unable to attend in person.
About the Valedictorians
- Sabrina Kuhn: A math major and educational studies minor, Kuhn was involved in various campus activities including the Wrestling Club, InterChorus, and the Dance Club. She will join the 2025 cohort of the MAT Program.
- Laura McCarty: An anthropology major with a concentration in archaeology and minors in museum studies and history, McCarty plans to work in archaeology before pursuing graduate studies. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Lambda Alpha honor societies.
- Margaret Neuman: An English major and member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Tau Delta honor societies, Neuman has served as a peer tutor and will work in France as an English teaching assistant before pursuing a career in editing and publishing.
- Angelie Roche: A psychology major with a minor in educational studies, Roche served as editor-in-chief of The Point News and was involved in various campus organizations. She plans to work as an assistant teacher and intern before pursuing a graduate degree in family therapy.
- Ben Springer: An environmental studies major with a minor in biology, Springer is a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society and plans a career in bird and habitat conservation.
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