Local students earn degrees

BOSTON — Boston University awarded academic degrees to 6,321 students in May 2014.

Kacie A. Rioux of Minot received a Bachelor of Arts in political science, magna cum laude, and a Bachelor of Science in journalism, summa cum laude.

William E. Jones of Greene received a Master of Education in educational leadership and policy studies.

Christine J. Conrad of Lewiston received a Master of Science in banking and financial services management.

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WEST POINT, N.Y. – Cadet Naomi McGonagill, daughter of John and Teresa McGonagill, previously of Auburn, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy on May 28.

McGonagill graduated from St Dominic’s in 2010. While at West Point, she concentrated her studies in geo-spatial information science with a minor in environmental engineering.

She will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army within the Ordinance branch and will report to Fort Bragg, N.C., for her first assignment.

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Hillary Collins-Gilpatrick, daughter of Cynthia Collins and Stephen A. Gilpatrick, formerly of Lewiston, received her Master of Divinity degree at Harvard University’s 363rd commencement ceremony.

Hillary attended St. Joseph’s School, graduated from Lewiston High School in 2003 and received her undergraduate degree in American studies from Smith College in 2008.

Currently residing in Cambridge, Hillary will intern as youth minster at the Follen Unitarian Universalist Church in Lexington, Mass., in the fall.

While at Harvard, her master’s concentration was in Buddhist studies.

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BANGOR — Jennifer Gondeck of Turner graduated from Husson University on May 11 with her Masters of Science degree in occupational therapy.

Gondek is the daughter of Jeff and Linda Gondeck of Turner and the granddaughter of Al and Lorraine Gondeck also of Turner.

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Southern Maine in 2009. She is a 2004 graduate of Leavitt Area High School.

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PORTLAND — Erica Poland of Livermore Falls graduated with an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from Kaplan University on June 7 and is working toward completing her bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies.

She is the daughter of Douglas Poland of Turner and Alicia Taylor of New Sharon and the mother of a son, Sean, and daughter, Patience.

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ALBANY, N.Y. — Erica Rickards of Rumford graduated from Albany Law School at the school’s 163rd commencement, held May 16.

Rickards earned a J.D. degree from Albany Law School, the oldest independent law school in the nation.

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PLYMOUTH, N.H. — The following students were awarded degrees from Plymouth State University at their 143rd commencement ceremony May 17.

Kaylee Belmer of Fryeburg, Bachelor of Arts in psychology.

Allison Dubois of Strong, Bachelor of Science in art education (K-12).

Bailey Hannum of Winthrop, Bachelor of Science in art education (K-12).

Jason Stefano of Fryeburg, Bachelor of Science in business administration.

Cassandra Stokes of Gray, Bachelor of Science in childhood studies.

Kira Szalma of Greenwood, Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies.

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WATERVILLE — Area residents were among 472 seniors who graduated from Colby College on May 25, receiving bachelor of arts degrees at the college’s 193rd commencement.

Kyle E. Hawkins of Jay is the son of Nels and Samantha Hawkins of Jay, and majored in mathematics.

Allison M. Nolan of South Paris is the daughter of Yamile Nolan of South Paris and Brian Nolan of South Paris, and majored in Latin American studies.

Samuel J. Poulin of Readfield is the son of David and Lisa Poulin of Readfield, and majored in psychology and economics.

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CAZENOVIA, N.Y. — Natasha Daigle of Lewiston earned a Bachelor of Professional Studies in equine business management at Cazenovia College’s 189th commencement ceremony on May 17.

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POTSDAM, N.Y. — The State University of New York at Potsdam recognized more than 900 candidates for graduation during the college’s 2014 commencement celebrations. At Commencement, SUNY Potsdam honors students who have either earned their degree or are eligible to graduate during that calendar year.

The following area students were scheduled to complete their studies:

Ashley Gallagher of Auburn graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in music education.

Derrick Lacasse of Lewiston graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in music education.

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EASTON, Mass. — Emily Dumont of Auburn earned a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts degree from Stonehill College.

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ATLANTA, Ga. — Jodie Simms of Poland received a Master of Science in nursing from the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing of Emory University at its 169th commencement ceremony on May 12.

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BANGOR — On May 10, area residents graduated from New England School of Communications with Bachelor of Science degrees in communications technology.

Brandon Denison of Harrison

Jacob Libby of New Gloucester

Timothy Reid of Kingfield

Kacey Wight of Lewiston

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SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Kaelyn Lecander of Stratton graduated from Bethel University following the spring 2014 semester.

Lecander earned a BA in environmental studies. She is the daughter of Jeff and Sheila Lecander from Stratton.

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TROY, N.Y. — Marc Ryan Chandler of South Paris is a member of the Class of 2014 at Hudson Valley Community College.

Chandler graduated in the mortuary science academic program.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The following local residents graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Benjamin Geiger of Auburn received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering.