Schools
Quinnipiac University Confers 1,915 Undergraduate Degrees
1,915 undergraduate degrees were given out during two commencement ceremonies on the quadrangle of the Mount Carmel Campus.
HAMDEN – Quinnipiac University conferred 1,915 undergraduate degrees Saturday during two commencement ceremonies on the quadrangle of the Mount Carmel Campus.
Nationally recognized novelist Crystal Maldonado urged Quinnipiac graduates to boldly embrace the role of author of their own lives during Saturday’s first commencement ceremony honoring the Class of 2022. After sharing her story of finding professional fulfillment by creating the type of role models she looked for as a child in books, Maldonado urged the audience to embrace their own story in a keynote address that was both heartfelt and authentic.
“Writing taught me that we can each be the main character in our own stories and create our own narrative. I hope you’ll remember this as you go out into the world as Quinnipiac University graduates,” said Maldonado. “I hope you let go of the fear that you may secretly be a powerless, unnamed background character in someone else’s story. I hope you put your shoulders back, hold your head up high, and remind yourself that you are the main character, and it’s up to you to write your own story.”
Degrees were conferred on 1,115 candidates at the first ceremony — including 420 from the College of Arts and Sciences, 420 from the School of Health Sciences and 275 graduates from the School of Nursing. In the first ceremony.
At the second ceremony, degrees were conferred on 800 candidates – including 470 from the School of Business, 240 from the School of Communications and 90 from the School of Computing and Engineering.
Paul Lavoie, chief manufacturing officer for the state of Connecticut, addressed graduates at the second commencement ceremony, where he shared his three Cs for success.
“You must be competent,” Lavoie said. “You must know what you're doing. Second, you must be confident. People are attracted to confidence. Third, you must be connected. Class of 2022, you are competent and confident, but are you connected? Look at your classmates and make an effort to stay connected. To achieve true success, be all three. Please go forward, be creative, drive innovation and change the world for the better. We're counting on you.”
Provost Debra Liebowitz opened each ceremony and welcomed the graduates and their guests, while acknowledging the support and contributions of the faculty, staff, family members and the entire Bobcat community who made this day a reality.
“I am honored to be here with you today and to be celebrating a traditional commencement ceremony outdoors on our beautiful quad. Graduates, this is your day. You are on your way,” said Liebowitz. “We couldn’t have made it to sitting on this quad here today without our faculty and our families. Class of 2022, I invite you to rise and acknowledge the faculty seated in front of you and your families and friends seated behind and around you.”
For President Judy Olian, the Class of 2022 will always hold a special place in her heart.
In 2018, when she joined the university as president, this year’s graduates were beginning the first year of their college experience. She reflected on their journey together, navigating a set of unique experiences without precedent that tested the world’s resiliency and resolve, including a global pandemic, issues of social justice and the war in Ukraine.
“As I look out on the Quad today, I see future political scientists and sociologists…award-winning authors and biologists…nurses and rehabilitative specialists…a group of graduates who will achieve change for the better, helping bring new discoveries to life, making them broadly accessible, and improving the quality of life of every individual you touch,” said Olian. “All of us at Quinnipiac will follow your path with great interest, we’ll unabashedly brag about your successes and beam with pride about the great impact you’re having in your chosen career, and in the life you lead.”
Commencement exercises continued on Sunday with a ceremony for graduate students. On Monday, May 16, Quinnipiac will hold commencement exercises for students graduating from the School of Medicine and School of Law.
