More than 400 students participated in the 2nd annual Commencement at CT State Community College Manchester on May 22.
Click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ssvi1B4-3pU to watch the recording of the Commencement ceremony.
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Because of torrential rain, the ceremony was moved from the bandshell in the rear of the campus, to the auditorium inside. It was the first time the ceremony was held inside since 2013.
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Programs for the event listed graduates, speakers and special guests.
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The Manchester Pipe Band led the procession of graduates, faculty and staff to the auditorium.
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The procession moved from the Student Services Center lobby, up the stairs, through the LRC and into the AST, down the stairs and into the auditorium.
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Along the way through the buildings friends and family of graduates stood along the route taking photos.
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Dianna Moye, an active member of ICE Radio, used a tote bag from the club to carry her stuff to her seat.
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The student speaker was Gary J. Houle, Jr., a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, who received the CEO’s Student Award.
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Keynote speaker Magdalena Gómez, an award-winning poet, playwright, and educator, urged graduates to be bold and colorful.
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Graduate Kevin Schutz is congratulated by CEO Nicole Esposito. Esposito announced she was leaving the college in April, making this her last commencement ceremony.
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Attendees erupted in applause when Sean Stenglein got up from his wheelchair and walked – with the help of an aide – to collect his degree.
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On the final step to graduation, students moved the tassels on their caps from left to right.
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As graduates emerged from the auditorium friends and family awaited with cameras, applause and…
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Some cardboard cutouts of their graduates!
