284 Nichols Degrees Conferred on May 9th
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Class of 2009 |
Nichols first Master of Organizationl Leadership grads |
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Nichols College's 2009 Graduation ceremonies were held May 8th and 9th on campus under the canopy of a grand white tent erected on the softball field. 284 degrees were conferred, including: Associate of Arts (2), Associate of Business Administration (15), Bachelor of Arts (15), Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (180), Master of Business Administration (65), and Master of Organizational Leadership (5).
Baccalaureate
The Baccalaureate Service, which began at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 8th, was the opening event and consisted of a traditionally interfaith, intercultural service celebrating the completion of each undergraduate's academic career. It began with an invocation by Director of Spiritual Life, Dr. Wayne-Daniel Berard. Professor of Economics Hans Despain gave the address and President Debra Townsley led the Baccalaureate Pledge.
Commencement
The Saturday morning procession began at 10:30 a.m. as faculty, staff, graduates and trustees walked down the hill from the Athletic Center.
Senior Class President Ashlee M. Givins (left) began her address by reflecting on her Orientation experience four years ago, when overnight, strangers became her best friends. In Givins' sophomore year, she discovered the Olsen stoop, steps in front of the centrally-located residence hall. "It became my space, my spot, my living room... It is like having your own TV set to life on campus," she said. "And, without a doubt, it is the ultimate reality show, always on, 24-7."
Valedictorian and Dudley resident, Christopher J. Derderian (Left) thanked his family and Professor Marcia Behrens for making graduation possible. He stated that graduation was like the 12-hour road trip he took to see a band in Ohio, fun but exhausting, and then exhorted his fellow grads to seize every opportunity with the quote: "Life's an occasion; rise to it!"
Speaker
Commencement Speaker Robert T. DeMartini (The DeMartini's right) began by stating, "For me, the years between where you sit and where I stand have gone very quickly... Today's economic conditions are in no way an indication of the bright future that awaits you." He shared 10 vital lessons to serve Nichols graduates as "real life takes over," with the final lesson: "Keep alive the spirit and drive that brought you to this moment. Nurture it. Grow it."
The presentation of degrees and awards was completed by Board of Trustees Chairman Robert J. Vaudreuil; Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies Laurie Albert; Associate Dean of Liberal Arts Jeffrey Halprin, Ph.D.; Associate Dean of Business Libba G. Moore, Ph.D.; and Registrar Betin Robichaud. President Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D. conferred the degrees.
"To Nichols we raise our voice in a chorus 'neath copper beeches. Join our song..." sang the Nichols College 2009 graduates before the recessional. Afterwards, students headed with their families and friends to an adjoining tent for the undergraduate reception or to Lombard Dining Hall for the M.B.A. reception.
Honorary Degrees Awarded
Nichols trustees presented honorary Doctor of Science in Business Administration degrees on three recipients. Trustee James W. Coghlin, Sr. '67 made the presentation to Robert T. DeMartini's, applauding his expansive and successful optimism for "spreading the love of running" and pioneering technological innovation as a source of competitive advantage.
Trustee Martin J. Power '78 made the presentation to John B. Dirlam (The Dirlams left), thanking him for tirelessly giving his time, expertise and financial resources to the institution, as a former trustee, honorary alumnus, trustee emeritus, and current member of our Board of Advisors.
And Trustee Constantine Alexander (far right) made the presentation to Henri M. David Jr. (right), thanking the valued advisor to Nichols College presidents for 20 years for graciously accepting all their challenges by rolling up his sleeves and responding with a selflessly-resolute mantra: "CAN DO, WILL DO!"
SPECIAL HONORS
Arthur J.C. Underhill Award (to the student who represents the ideals of Nichols College) |
Domenic A. Cornacchioli |
Dr. Quincy H. Merrill Award (to the student with highest standards of character and citizenship) |
MaryLynn Skarzenski |
Trustees' Award (for best overall achievement) |
Christopher J. Derderian |
Faculty Award (ror industry and consistent application) |
Elizabeth A. Pare |
William Stewart Award (for loyalty, integrity and cooperation) |
Jeffrey M. Lindgren |
Colonel Conrad Founder's Award (for the greatest improvement by a student at Nichols College) |
Justin L. Kline |
Robert Henry Eaton, Dean Emeritus Award (for dedication, service and commitment to perfection) |
Justin R. Dolan |
Clarence McKeen Award (for excellence in marketing) |
Jeremy R. Barrette
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Dr. James L. Conrad, Jr. Bowl (for institutional loyalty, dedication and service to Nichols College) |
Brittany A. McDonnell |
Award for Academic Excellence (for scholastic excellence in the MBA program) |
Molly Resetar |
ZETA ALPHA PHI AWARDS
For Excellence in Accounting |
Christopher J. Derderian
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For Outstanding Achievement in Criminal Justice Management |
Kurt T. Gustafson |
For Excellence in Economics |
Jessica L. Belanger
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For Excellence in Finance |
Jessica L. Belanger |
For Outstanding Achievement in General Business |
Jeffrey M. Lindgren
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For Outstanding Achievement in Liberal Studies |
Danielle N. White
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For Excellence in Management |
Domenic A. Cornacchioli |
For Outstanding Achievement in Management Information Systems |
Hardik Kohli |
For Outstanding Achievement in Sport Management |
Kayla B. Naslund |
DEGREES
Undergraduate academic honors are based upon the cumulative quality point average earned through the end of the Fall Semester 2008-2009. Honors status may change as a result of Spring Semester grade performance.
- Summa Cum Laude (Cumulative grade point average 3.8-4.0)
- Magna Cum Laude (Cumulative grade point average 3.6-3.79)
- Cum Laude (Cumulative grade point average 3.2-3.59)