SPRINGFIELD, MA — Western New England University’s Undergraduate Commencement was held on Saturday, May 20, in the Alumni Healthful Living Center on the University campus. Approximately 600 students received degrees and several ROTC Cadets were commissioned as officers.
Western New England University congratulates the following Wilmington students:
- Casey P. Murray graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – Crime and Society
- Jonathan E. Thai graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
The top five fields of study for undergraduates in 2017 were: Mechanical Engineering, Accounting, Pharmacy Studies, Criminal Justice, and Psychology. The graduating class hailed from 22 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, plus the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In his remarks, President Anthony S. Caprio challenged the graduates to use their educations for positivity: “You must choose to make a difference. You have responsibility for yourself,” he said as he congratulated the graduates in joining the more the 45,400 alumni of the University. “You must create light around you and not darkness. With this attitude, you will be the leader in your family, your community, your place of work, and in your country.”
Graduating senior Rachael White (Communication) gave the Class of 2017 student address, reminding her fellow graduates that “This wonderful University has taught us that the best way to succeed is to first ‘show up’ and then never give up. If doors close in your face, choose to build your own doors.”
Robert Stein Jr. ’79, was the undergraduate ceremony keynote speaker. With a B.S.B.A. in Accounting from Western New England, Stein has enjoyed a remarkably varied career in business, rising to the posts of chairman, president, and CEO of Dairy Mart Convenience Stores, Inc. in the U.S. before moving on to his current post as president and CEO of Kalibrate Technologies, a London-based company with offices in the U.S. and throughout the world. His success stands as an example of the value of foundational business skills in preparation for advancement into leadership roles.
About Western New England University
Western New England University is a private, independent, coeducational institution founded in 1919. Located on an attractive 215-acre suburban campus in Springfield, Massachusetts, Western New England serves 3,830 students, including 2,580 full-time undergraduate students. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs are offered through Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Pharmacy, and the School of Law.
(NOTE: The above announcement is from Western New England University via Merit.)
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Follow Wilmington Apple on Instagram. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 