Landmark College Confers Degrees on 77 Graduates
by Solvegi Shmulsky
PUTNEY, Vt.--On Saturday, May 16, 2015, family, friends, and Landmark College community members gathered to honor 77 new graduates. An estimated 600 were in attendance at the bi-annual commencement ceremony, held in the Click Family Sports Center. Associate degrees were awarded in liberal arts, general studies, business, life science, and computer science, and awards were presented to five students for outstanding achievement and contribution to the community. Graduate speeches are a distinctive feature of the Landmark College ceremony, and in keeping with tradition, over 30 grads addressed the audience from the podium. The event was broadcast live by Brattleboro Community Television and is available in its entirety on YouTube:
Opening the ceremony, College President Dr. Peter Eden thanked those in attendance for coming together to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates. He noted that this is the 30th year of Landmark College, an institution that has grown but also stayed true to its original mission of educating students who learn differently.
Eden honored the vision of founder Dr. Charles Drake, alumni, and past faculty and board members with the Sir Isaac Newton quote “If I can see further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” He credited those who came before with creating a vital institution that this spring graduated its largest class yet.
To the graduates Eden said, “One day you will be the giants who help others to see further as we change public perception of LD and educational models.” He concluded with encouragement for what lies ahead: “When life is challenging, remember that you possess what it takes to see further, to succeed, and to help others do the same."
“Today I consider myself the luckiest man on Earth”—Everett Law '15, A.A. in Liberal Studies
Graduate speeches
When degrees are conferred, graduates have the option to speak publicly. Almost half addressed the crowd, and their stories of obstacles, hard-won success, and supportive families drew applause, laughter, and sometimes tears.
“If you told me three years ago that I’d be graduating, I would never have believed you,” said Rachel Friedman who said the word “college” could cause a panic attack in the years before she attended Landmark College. Past uncertainty about going to college filled the speeches, underscoring the significance of graduation.
“I had more success here than I ever thought possible,” said William Fitzgerald.
To what do graduates attribute their success? Hard work and the support of family, friends, and Landmark College faculty and staff top their lists. “I am humbled, honored, and blessed to call you family and friends,” said Cole Stillman. Many students thanked their parents, including Jamial Miller who said, “I love you Mom; we made this together,” and Ryan Gonsalves who said, “When I gave up on myself, you showed faith in me, Mom. I love you more than words can explain.”
In a poem-style speech about the meaning of learning difference, Sarah Detweiler said, “A learning difference is a feeling of loneliness--and security from someone who understands; it is frustration and tears--and Mom tucking your hair above your ear when you can’t solve a math problem … LD can be many things; perhaps it is compassion, because it understands.”
Finally, graduates offered advice for the road ahead. “Life will throw you challenges,” said Cole Moriarty, “It’s how you overcome those that shows your character.” Kenneth Painter’s parting comment embodied the idea of making a new start. He said, “The only proper way to leave a launching pad is in a blaze of glory.”
Closing Addresses
Bretton Himsworth delivered the alumni welcome. Himsworth serves on the College Board of Trustees and is director of E-Rate Central, a firm that helps school systems attain Internet access in areas as wide-ranging as New York City and the Arctic. Himsworth is also an alumnus who attended Landmark College 25 years ago. “Landmark doesn’t fix people, it fixes lives,” he said. “My dyslexia didn’t go away, but I learned to live and thrive with it.” He encouraged the new alumni to stay connected and talk to others about Landmark College so that they may have similar opportunities.
Closing the ceremony, Board of Trustees President Robert E. Lewis encouraged new graduates to savor their accomplishments. He said, “Before you leave, go to your favorite place on campus and pause. Take a moment to reflect and appreciate yourself and everything you have done here.”
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2015 Awards
Community Service Award—Justin Frankl
Academic Dean’s Award—Maya Johnson & Elijah Moore
Charles Drake Award—Scott Fujiwara
President’s Award—Kenneth Painter
Spring 2015 Graduates
The asterisk indicates members of Phi Theta Kappa, the Honor Society for students earning two-year degrees.
Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies
| William Ackley Andrew Annett Alexis Bird* Samantha Bouvier Melinda Brown Kobena Busia Brendan Butterly Catherine Cavaliere Allison Chorvinsky* Andrew Conant Kevin Couto* Justin De La Garza Sarah Detweiler* Cameron Drugan William Eastham* Maximilian Feinsot Forest Ferguson+ Chase Fisher Christopher Fisher William Fitzgerald* Gerald Flattmann* |
Justin Frankl* Rachel Friedman* Scott Fujiwara* Clark Glennon* Kevin Goerne* Ryan Gonsalves Peter Greenberg Jacob Hoffman Nathaniel Holsten Justin Hunt Jessica Irving Jamal Jackson Kelly Jenkins Maya Johnson* William Kelly Douglas Kirk Hannah Konigsberg* Everett Law Kasey MacDonald Bernie Matles* Forrest Mock* |
Emily Motter* Colin Murphy Jacob Nelson Zane Nelson Kenneth Painter Gillian Robinson Benjamin Salom Michael Schwab Sarah Shaw Amelia Siam Tyler Stauder Acadia Stevens* Robert Stevens Cole Stillman Abigail Straus Matthew Talley Robert Turner Abby Ward Keenen Wright Matthew Yoshida |
Associate of Arts in General Studies
| David Allievi Christian Kretschmer |
Anna Levy Jonathan Lobo |
Kylie MacKinnon |
Associate of Arts in Business Studies
| Mark Allen* Todd Brock |
Anthony Dellose Thomas Hoberg |
Cole Moriarty |
Associate of Science in Life Sciences
| Benjamin Garrett | Roy Karros | Jamial Miller |
Associate of Science in Computer Science/Gaming
| Ethan Hughes | Elijah Moore* |
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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.