Energizing Convocation Welcomes New Students to Landmark College
by Solvegi Shmulsky
PUTNEY, Vt. -- On Saturday, August 30, 2014, hundreds gathered at Landmark College's Convocation. This year, Convocation kicked off a day of festivities, including a ceremony to break ground for the new Nicole Goodner MacFarlane Science, Technology & Innovation Center. Approximately 600 students, families, faculty, and staff were in attendance on this breezy, sunny day. New students were welcomed at the academic ceremony, which was laced with humor and positive messages to “redirect ourselves to the work ahead,” as alumnus Craig Breismeister, M. Div., put it.
At approximately 9:45 a.m., students with happy and pensive expressions followed orange-clad student orientation leaders to their seats amidst applause from the crowd. Colorful homemade flags, fashioned with decorator duct tape atop hockey sticks, represented a dozen new student groups. Once all were seated, speakers shared stories and encouragement for a new beginning.
The excitement of taking responsibility for one’s own education was a theme throughout the speeches. Landmark College President Dr. Peter Eden said, “We have the expertise, the universal design, the assistive technology, and the apps, but one element is critical, and that’s you. You hold the key to success.”
Emphasizing the shared venture between the College and its students, Eden said, “This environment is engineered for students who learn differently, so please join us—you’re at the right place and the right time.”
Student speaker Catherine Cavaliere broke barriers between new students and seasoned academics by saying, “Everyone on the stage has been in your shoes.” Cavaliere commented on the change that can happen in a year: “If you had asked me a year ago if I’d be standing here, I would have laughed and walked away.” Then she advised students to “take responsibility for yourselves and rejoice in all your successes—big or small.”
In a funny, moving, and artistically edgy alumni perspective, Mark Gessner and Aaron Wolf urged students to “karate-kick the doors open on your dreams.” Both graduated from the College in 2002 and have made careers “doing what they love.” Gessner is a New York-based actor who had a recent role on Orange is the New Black. Wolf is an award-winning independent filmmaker and the founder of Howling Wolf Productions.
Wolf said, “We are proud alumni of this wonderful place.” Commenting on the Landmark College learning environment, Wolf said, “The attention you get here is unreal—you are taught by someone who really cares about you." Gessner added, “Lots of colleges promise resources, but Landmark is one giant woodland resource.”
The importance of going after dreams was threaded throughout Gessner and Wolf’s talk. Gessner said, “Take ownership of your education, your goals, your dreams, and your learning style.” If obstacles arise, Wolf encouraged students to ask for help. He said, “We are who we are, and that’s nothing to apologize for.”
Giving kudos to 57 student leaders in attendance was Vice President for Student Affairs Michael Luciani. Student orientation leaders, members of student government, and residence assistants gathered in front of the stage to greet the incoming class. Luciani said, “You are sharks: fierce, determined, and always moving forward.”
Wrapping up Convocation was Dr. Monika Bissell, vice president for Academic Affairs hired in July 1, 2014. She delivered the academic address and joined President Eden to distribute coins to all new students. In remarks that were straightforward, academic, and funny, Bissell said that symbols like the student coins are small things that represent big ideas. “The coins represent an investment in education,” she said, “You have to invest to get the brilliant outcome.”
Bissell encouraged students to think of Landmark College as a symbol, too. “You’re embarking on a great adventure and Landmark College is the vehicle that will get you from here to the amazing future.” Earning cheers from students, she said, “It’s the USS Enterprise, a Lamborghini, a portkey, or the TARDIS.”
Fall 2014 Convocation was followed by a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the $10 million Nicole Goodner MacFarlane Science, Technology & Innovation Center, which was in turn followed by a luncheon and an alumni panel. “This building is tangible evidence of tremendous progress at the College,” said Board of Trustees Chairperson Bob Lewis in remarks that echoed Convocation messages of what can be achieved with intention and hard work.
Landmark College was the first institution of higher learning to pioneer college-level studies for students with dyslexia. Today, Landmark College is a global leader in integrated teaching methods for students with learning disabilities (including dyslexia), ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The College offers two- and four-year degree options, a graduate-level certificate in universal design with technology integration, and summer programs for students who learn differently. Students, faculty, and professionals from around the world are drawn to Landmark College for its innovative educational model, designed through research and practice to help all students become confident, empowered, and independently successful learners.