Landmark College Celebrates December 2012 Graduates
PUTNEY — They quoted Dr. Suess and T. E. Lawrence, Caroline Kennedy and Martha Graham. They thanked their families and friends, the faculty and staff, and others.
And one by one, as they made their way to the podium to accept their diplomas, the newly minted graduates of Landmark College celebrated the December 15 commencement exercises with smiles, joyful tears, and a sense of accomplishment.
“I didn’t think people with dyslexia went to college; now I’m graduating college,” Jacqueline Aulisio told the crowd of more than 300 gathered in Landmark College’s Greenhoe Theater upon receiving her degree.
As is tradition, every graduate who earns a degree at Landmark College is given time at the podium during commencement to address the audience. Several graduates, upon receiving their degrees, turned to the crowd and asked their parents to stand, so they could publicly thank them for their support and inspiration. Many thanked their professors and advisors.
“I look back … and realize every single one of my teachers was amazing,” said Alastair Tivy-Harris, who earned a degree in general studies.
The ceremony began with Eric Goodchild, playing the bagpipes, leading the academic procession to begin commencement exercises. Following him into the auditorium were trustees, faculty, staff, and the newly minted graduates.
Michael Luciani, the dean of students, gave the invocation before Landmark College President Peter Eden formally welcomed all to the Fine Arts Building’s Greenhoe Theater. The Landmark College chorus performed “Moonlight in Vermont.”
During his welcome address, Dr. Eden encouraged the graduates to “abandon the past in favor of the future” and reminded them that Landmark College will always be there for them. “Landmark College will never abandon its graduates, and we ask that our alums never abandon us.”
Landmark College’s Community Service Award, given annually to the student has unselfishly given of himself or herself to the activities of the campus, was awarded to Bradley Bookbinder and Katie Godowski. The Academic Dean Award was presented to Jalana Carrigan.
Tricia Stanley, associate director of alumni relations for Landmark College, congratulated the class on their new roles as alumni, reminding them to stay connected and involved. “I encourage you to join in on alumni gatherings and reunions, mentor a student, offer an internship, represent Landmark at a high school college fair, come back for a campus event, visit with students, and stay informed. Most of all, be proud to be Landmark College alumni.”
Dr. Linda Kaboolian, on behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, offered closing remarks. She spoke as a parent of a Landmark College graduate, encouraging this year’s graduates, as they become leaders in life, to further the college’s mission of changing the way the world thinks about learning differences.
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 differences including dyslexia, ADHD, and ASD, and draws students from all over the world for its innovative educational model, designed to help all students who learn differently become confident, self-empowered, and independently successful learners.