Massachusetts First Lady addresses MCLA graduates

NORTH ADAMS – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) celebrated the graduation of 450 students with some help from Diane B. Patrick, the commonwealth’s first lady.

Before 389 students received bachelor’s degrees, 57 students received master’s degrees and four students received a certificate of advanced graduate studies (CAGS) in educational leadership, she served as the 114th commencement’s keynote speaker.

“I wanted to be here today, where expectations are high,” the first lady, who is an attorney, domestic violence advocate, educator and community volunteer, told the students in front of a standing-room only crowd in the gymnasium of the Amsler Campus Center.

In her address, she reflected on both her and Governor Deval L. Patrick’s educational experiences and the ups and downs they’ve experienced in life.

“Neither of us has hesitated when offered a key to walk through a door,” Atty. Patrick said. “You just have to power through those rough moments.”

“Learn what’s possible and then do what’s fulfilling,” she advised the graduates. “Today, you have the keys.”

Also speaking at the graduation were Class of 2013 President Elizabeth “Lizzy” Mullen, master of education candidate Emily C. Schiavoni and MCLA President Mary K. Grant.

“Today is a day of celebration, and I offer each of you my congratulations,” Pres. Grant told the graduates.

Honorary degrees

In addition to speaking at the commencement ceremony, Atty. Patrick was one of four people to receive an honorary degree.

She received an honorary doctor of laws degree, while Bennington College President Elizabeth Coleman received an honorary doctor of humanities degree, Soldier On President and CEO John F. Downing received an honorary doctorate of public service and Dartmouth Medical School faculty member Margaret (Mardi) Ann Crane-Godreau, an MCLA alumnus, received an honorary doctor of science degree.

Posted by Catherine M. Krummey on May 23, 2013. Filed under Education News,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry