Excelsior’s 2010 graduate speaker, Carolyn McCartney, told an inspiring story of success in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It is a story with which our students are familiar. “Excelsior College helps you to achieve much more than an education,” she said. “It is more than a building; it’s more than a name on your degree. It’s more than that voice at the end of the phone, saying you can do it. Excelsior College helped me to regain my self-confidence, and they helped me rebuild hope for my future. This is the power … the power of having a positive impact on someone’s life. Now it’s our turn. We need to make a difference.” McCartney, who completed her Associate in Applied Science in nursing degree with Highest Honors, was also the recipient of the Ruth V. Matheney Memorial Award this year (see page 6).
During the ceremony, the College honored two with President’s Medals for a major current or past commitment or contribution to Excelsior College: Michael B. Goldstein and John Robinson. Goldstein, a partner in the Washington, DC law firm of Dow Lohnes, PLLC, was acknowledged for his contributions to education and support of the Excelsior-founded Presidents’ Forum. Director of Corporate Support for WMHT and president of his own marketing firm, John Robinson was lauded for his inspiring presentation to College staff during its Charter Day celebration.
Receiving honorary degrees were Under Secretary of Education Martha J. Kanter (also the keynote speaker) and John Lewis, U.S. Congressman and noted Civil Rights leader. Lewis harkened back to those days. “Segregation,” he stated, “they said that’s the way it is. Don’t get in the way. Don’t get in trouble. But Dr. King and Rosa Parks, and many others inspired me to get in the way, to get in trouble. It was good trouble, necessary trouble.” Lewis concluded that he was taught to never, ever give up — or give in. “So I congratulate you, the class of 2010, for never, ever giving up, but for keeping the faith and keeping your eyes on the prize.”
In congratulating the graduates, keynote speaker Martha Kanter noted, “You are here, you’re graduating because you embrace education, you embrace innovation, you embrace doing things differently. You came to a college that’s incredibly innovative, and you have the drive and confidence to help move America forward.”
Soon, each graduate was crossing the stage in the traditional manner — to meet the enthusiastic, sometimes thunderous applause of proud families, friends, and the entire Excelsior College community.
The ceremony concluded with “America the Beautiful,” and graduates marched out of the auditorium together, passing through a receiving line that included the College’s Board of Trustees, President Ebersole, the honorary degree recipients, and other community leaders including former Congressman Michael McNulty and Congressman Paul Tonko.
As always, Commencement ended with the graduates and their guests joining the Excelsior College family for a lively reception and lots and lots of picture-taking — as you will see on the following pages.
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