Skip to Content

Landmark News

Landmark College confers degrees on 40 new graduates

By Solvegi Shmulsky
PUTNEY - On a cold, sunny Saturday morning, 40 students earned degrees at Landmark College’s Greenhoe Theater amidst applause from hundreds of family, friends, and College faculty and staff. A December ceremony is traditionally held to honor students who complete programs in the fall. 

Graduate Crystal Kruse cheers as she accepts her Landmark College degree“Graduates deserve the opportunity to celebrate right away. We want to show them how proud we are of their tremendous accomplishments,” said Dr. Monika Bissell, vice president for academic affairs, explaining the importance of the mid-year celebration. The ceremony is distinctive for its inclusion of diverse voices, and this year was no exception, with short speeches from graduates and college officials.

Dr. Peter Eden, president of Landmark College, described the progressive atmosphere of the institution. “We try hard to eschew the rigid orthodoxy of conventional education that has underserved students who learn differently,” he said. “We are different because we will not overlook or underserve any student.”

Eden highlighted the heights that have been achieved by former Landmark College graduates, including alumni who have enjoyed success in academia, technology, and the arts. He congratulated graduates and bid them to use their personal gifts. He said, “Graduates, we expect you to make a difference in the world, but don’t think for a minute that success means you have to make films, start companies, or earn doctorates. To make a difference, you have to be yourself. Use your degree, but also use your instincts, intuition, and imagination, for these are uniquely yours.” 

Awards were presented by Vice President for Student Affairs Michael Luciani and Academic Dean Dr. Adrienne Major. Graduate Michael Kenyon earned the Community Service Award for “unselfishly giving of himself to the greater community.” Luciani said that Kenyon was frequently sought out in Stone Hall and on campus for his “trusting, caring, and compassionate perspective.”

Phi Theta Kappa member and graduate Jon Marino earned the Academic Dean’s Award. When speaking about Marino’s achievement, Major quoted faculty who said, “He is a keen critical thinker; he makes chemistry look easy; and, he has the intuitive sense of Emily Dickinson.” Advisor Denise Manning Higgins said, “If I believed in angels, I’d believe that they dropped Marino in my office as a gift—he is so diligent and hardworking.”

Following awards, students in the class of 2014 received their diplomas. The majority of graduates addressed the audience from the podium on stage. Their moving, eclectic speeches focused on a handful of themes. Many graduates spoke of overcoming personal hurdles, finding confidence within, and feeling gratitude for the support of loving families and a caring College staff and faculty.

The weight of thank yous went to mothers, fathers, siblings and friends in attendance. Family members were frequently asked to stand up and receive appreciation for their support through both happy and hard times. Lucas Weiner said, “My parents are two of the most amazing people I know.” Seth Smith said, “My mother is an angel. She is the Vince Lombardi of mothers—her love is why I am.” Joseph Kreta echoed the sentiments of many with “Thank you, Mom.”

In addition to expressing gratitude, speakers shared stories of personal transformation that happened at the College. Jonathan Bach said, “The biggest thing I found at Landmark College is confidence—confidence in academics and in leadership.”

“Something amazing happened to me at Landmark College,” said Julia Hennessey. “I found that I can and will be successful. I am a college graduate and I am excited for my future—two things I never thought I would say. This has been the most uplifting experience in my life.”Dr. Peter Eden with Landmark College's graduating class

Christina Osgood described the “metaphorical baggage” from past failure that she worked through at Landmark College. She said, “Every class became a potential career path, and the hunch in my shoulders went away. The grass is greener where you water it, and that’s why I’m staying for the BA.”

Spots of humor lightened the atmosphere, such as when Connor Lawrence likened Landmark College to Xavier from the X-Men. He said, “We all have odd tendencies but also strengths. These make us pretty fantastic.” Thomas Jeffries brought humor when he described the origination of his speech, which consisted of the 50 most commonly used words in graduation speeches. He added, “By being the most clichéd, I thought I could be the most original.”

“My Landmark College degree means more to me than any subsequent degrees” was the sentiment of alumni conveyed by Associate Director of Alumni Relations Tricia Stanley. Stanley quoted former graduates in her invitation to new graduates to be active in the community.

Faculty Senate Chair John Kipp delivered the final address of the ceremony. He said, “Today’s stories provide meaning and context for our experience.” Kipp emphasized that becoming who we want to be is a continuing process. He said, “The degree you have earned today sits part way on a long and interesting road.” 

Back to top