Clark

WORCESTER, MA — Clark University awarded 1,300 degrees (590 bachelor’s, 681 master’s, and 29 doctoral degrees) to the Class of 2023 and conferred three honorary degrees during their 119th Commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 21. Speakers heralded the graduates for their accomplishments and the resilience and ambition they exhibited when their college experience was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hailey Jordan Parsons of Naples graduated with a Master of Science in Management.

YCCC

WELLS, ME — Danielle Toolin of Casco, graduated with an Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from York County Community College.

York County Community College, established in 1994, is one of seven community colleges in the Maine Community College System. The college annually enrolls nearly 2,000 students in certificate and associate degree programs, continuing education, career & professional development, and business training. To learn more about the College visit www.yccc.edu or www.findthefearlessyou.com or call 207.216.4409.

Salve Regina
NEWPORT, RI — Peyton Spurr of Poland was awarded a bachelor of arts degree in Psychology during Salve Regina University’s 73rd commencement.

Salve Regina President Kelli Armstrong conferred 804 degrees in total during the ceremony, including 589 bachelor’s degrees, 207 master’s degrees, and eight doctoral degrees.

Celebrated Iranian author, Dr. Azar Nafisi, once forced from her job as a teacher for refusing to cover her hair, encouraged graduates to embrace the power of their imagination during her commencement address. She stressed the importance of a liberal arts education, even for those studying science. “Einstein was a musician, he played the violin,” Nafisi said. “He felt imagination was even more important because imagination encircles the world.”

In offering his congratulations, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) said he hopes graduates will carry the lessons and values of Salve Regina forward and work for a world that is harmonious, just, and merciful. “I am confident that you will make your own mark, and serve a purpose higher than yourself,” Reed said. “Today more than ever, our world needs your combination of knowledge, talent and most of all, mercy.”