Landmark College Celebrates 53 New Graduates

December 15, 2015

by Solvegi Shmulsky

PUTNEY, Vt.--Fifty-three students graduated from Landmark College on Saturday, December 12, 2015. Every graduate has an opportunity to address the audience, making Landmark College's graduation a one-of-a-kind postsecondary event. Messages of gratitude and personal transformation, spiked with humor, pervaded the 2015 speeches.

“Today we celebrate the human mind and the human spirit,” said Michael Luciani, vice president of Student Affairs. Senior members of the administration began the ceremony by welcoming hundreds of guests and conferring degrees and awards.

“At Landmark College, every student belongs,” said Dr. Peter Eden president of the College.

In remarks that were forthcoming about recent discussions of race and ethnicity, Eden said, “We will continue on the path to being a uniquely welcoming place for students of all backgrounds and learning profiles, but there’s more work to be done.” It is reported that students are asking for increased dialogue about diversity, and Eden talked about the importance of moving these discussions forward. He said that the College is a leader in inclusion for individuals who learn differently, and the ethos can be applied to other realms of human difference. “We can be more sensitive to all differences—learning, racial, ethnic, and cultural.”

Eden encouraged graduates to focus on the present moment. “Students can think about our world right now and make it better.”

The ceremony was broadcast live on YouTube by Brattleboro Community Television:

2015 Graduates Speak

Personal transformation was a frequent theme in the words of graduates. Stories that started with self-doubt and finished with confidence received applause throughout the ceremony.

“You’re up at three a.m., worried about the future, stuck in the past, and wondering how you’ll pass English,” said Patrick Coffman. “Yet we are here, right now. Change happens moment to moment, and no obstacle is too large.”

“Two years ago, I finished high school with the lowest GPA my state would allow, and now I have been accepted to one of the best pre-med programs in the country” said Michael Iemolo. “I know who I am and I know what I must do to succeed.” Iemolo thanked the Natural Science Department faculty for teaching physics, chemistry, anatomy, and the links between disciplines that he will need to understand on his way to becoming a physician.  

“Landmark has been the catalyst of my growth into adulthood,” said Lillian Rosen. She described starting the semester with three intentions: to surround herself with positive people, to take personal responsibility, and to engender trust in herself. “I stayed with my intentions all semester and kept my values at my fingertips.”

Giving thanks is another time-honored element of graduation speeches at Landmark College, as families, friends, advisors, and professors are recognized with smiles and sometimes tears.

“Thanks for seven words that changed my life, Mom,” said Alicia Keating, “Those were: ‘I think you should go to Landmark.’”

“Thank you to all Landmark College teachers,” said Connor Casagrande. “You are phenomenal and you help in magical ways.”

“Before taking a class here, I hated math,” said Nicholas Fedchock. “Now, I love statistics! Thank you, Professor Keith.”

Class Gift and Parting Words

The class of 2015 presented Eden with a check for $810 for the scholarship fund and academic program support. Victoria DeAngelis ’15 explained the importance of contributing to scholarships so that others may access the institution.

Alumni Director Tricia Stanley encouraged fall graduates to stay connected so they may help future students. She said, “Landmark College alumni stand out because they are creative, innovative barrier-breakers.” The motto “Landmark for life, alumni from day one" captures the effort to create and strengthen the network between current students and the 7,000-plus who have previously attended. Stanley welcomed the new graduates into the association.

Closing the ceremony was Board of Trustees Chairperson Robert E. Lewis, a longtime supporter of the College. Lewis explained the Board’s role to support the College behind the scenes and said that he loves the uplifting graduation ceremonies. He encouraged graduates to “find your unique paths of lifelong learning.”     

Fall 2015 Awards

Community Service Award: Noah Blier, A.A. Liberal Studies

Academic Dean’s Award: Zachary Meyer, A.A. Liberal Studies

Charles Drake Award: Alicia Keating, A.A. Liberal Studies

President’s Award: Frances Burney, A.A. Liberal Studies, Psychology Concentration

Fall 2015 Graduates

Andrew Annett Caleb Atwood Zachary Bender Noah Blier Charles Bradley Patrick Bulger Frances Burney Kayla Carter Connor Casagrande Patrick Coffman Nathan Corain Ashley Cronin Victoria DeAngelis Jaime Desper Richard Dubbs Meghan Fabianski Nicholas Fedchock Christopher Feola

Benjamin Fleming Christopher Garlieb Emily Gonzales Gabrielle Gonzales Omari Grant-Joseph Jacob Hancock Adam Helgeson Michael Iemolo Jessica Irving Mandy Katz Alicia Keating Randolph Leigh Alexis Lull Jeffrey Marcano Katherine McPherson Zachary Meyer Dylan Morris Eric Mowrey

Michael Otten Wesley Pfeiffer Samuel Pratt Nicolas Remels Madison Reno Samuel Ripper Lillian Rosen Kelsey Sabia Jorge Santiago Adam Skelley Scott Smith Benjamin Somin Francis Steverman Tyler Stratton David Walker Matthew M. Ward Benjamin Winick

View a gallery of photos from the ceremony, available for purchase from the photographer.

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