Local Students Graduate from Becker College

Submitted by readMedia for Becker College

The following Shrewsbury residents were among 335 graduates awarded degrees at the 225th commencement of Becker College, held on May 11, 2013 at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, Mass.:

Ross G. Moore earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interactive Media Design, Magna Cum Laude

Taylin O'Coin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Magna Cum Laude

Marcia Solano Stech earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts-Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude

Students who received the honor of Summa Cum Laude graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.9 - 4.0.

Students who received the honor of Magna Cum Laude graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.7 - 3.89.

Students who received the honor of Cum Laude graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 - 3.69.

Judge Greg Mathis, youth activisit and host of the award-winning television court show, "Judge Mathis," gave the keynote address. Becker College recognized Mathis with an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

"Judge Mathis's journey from his youth in Detroit to his distinguished career as a judge, television host, and philanthropist is an inspiring tale of individual achievement and social responsibility," said Becker College President Robert E. Johnson, Ph.D. "At Becker, we believe there is no limit to the heights that can be reached by individuals who refuse to accept limits and insist on the pursuit of opportunity. Judge Mathis is the personification of that vision."

In his efforts to reach out to youth both in and outside of the courtroom, Judge Mathis and his wife, Linda, have assisted thousands of youth with their non-profit agency Young Adults Asserting Themselves (Y.A.A.T.), an outreach initiative that provides youth ages 17-25 with career and job opportunities as well as job training and college enrollment assistance.

They have also opened five non-profit preschools in the inner city of Detroit, while continuing to raise funds for a variety of equal justice political and youth causes.