Three Rivers Graduation Spans Generations

Three Rivers Community College conferred degrees to some 525 graduates Saturday afternoon at the Garde Arts Center in New London. It was the Norwich-based school’s 19th commencement since the former Mohegan Community College and Thames Valley Technical College merged.

For generations, Three Rivers Community College has provided an affordable, outstanding education in the form of two-year associate degrees to students of all ages and backgrounds across eastern Connecticut.

As graduates crossed the platform Saturday, there is a feeling of success as they received their diplomas and prepared to enter into the community, either to working in their chosen field or continuing their education.

And in keeping with the theme of “generations,” the 2011 valedictorian, Jared Harrelson, graduated from the same program that his father did years ago, Nuclear Engineering Technology. Three Rivers also recognized this year’s salutatorian, Ian Matthew Stonecypher, who graduateed Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration.

There were four Board of Trustees Medallion recipients in this year’s graduating class: Jared Allan Harrelson, Ian Stonecypher, Lauren E. Marston and Debra Lynne Rathbun, all Summa Cum Laude graduates.

Among the other graduates were Edward and Thomas Forbes, twin brothers who have both earned their associate degrees – Edward in General Studies, and Thomas, who graduates Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Criminal Justice.

It was quite the family affair as Three Rivers graduated two mothers with their sons. Kathleen and Brian Munton, and Kirsten and Mark Orzechowski, will received associate degrees. Kathleen earned her degree in Business Administration and Brian in Fire Technology and Administration. Kirsten and Mark are graduating with honors; Kirsten, Summa Cum Laude and Mark, Magna Cum Laude, both with degrees in General Studies.

On behalf of Three Rivers Community College and the community, we wish class of 2011 much success as it takes on new ventures with degrees in hand.

Graduates from Gales Ferry are: Haley Auger, Thomas Baudro, Meaghan Brown, Sandra Brown, Amy DeRose, Roy Fenstermaker, Sarah Fluet, Daria Grindstaff, Suzanne Healy, Jennifer Hess, Stephen Holyfield, Roseann Marks, Joseph Marmaud, Christian Page, James Rusk and Theresa Trebisacci.

Ledyard graduates are: Shaina Becker, Matthew Botchis, Jeanette Briggs, Nicole Cutchens, Emily Dimario, Mark Floyd, Jennifer Gross, Jennifer Gross, Angela Karpi, Hillary Masalin, Laura Paneczko, Danielle Petrowski, Miranda Quibble, Lawrence Turley and Angela Wheeler.