Entering a changed world
Graduates praised for dealing with pandemic
‘I see in the crowd today people that managed to continue on the path to a brighter future. ‘
— Sebastian Goyette- Connerty, valedictorian
FITCHBURG » The sun shone brightly on a special — and oddly ordinary — Fitchburg State University commencement on Saturday morning.
Much like the students in attendance, the world has undergone a dramatic transformation since many of those now graduates started their academic journey, such that an event often reserved as a look into the future doubled as a reflection on the past. It was, at least for the day, a return to normal — a sensation now distantly familiar as the world has weathered the persistent storm that is the COVID-19 pandemic.
That impression was not lost on those in attendance. Class valedictorian Sebastian Goyette- Connerty noted that, on the last day of their collegiate career, students were finally able to experience “the rebuilding of something that is supposed to resemble normalcy.” Throughout the day, there were references to hardship, loss and an uneasy (if not unfair) journey that stole from many time that was meant to be cherished — but they were always punctuated by hope, a nod to the brighter future that lies ahead.
Now, as Dr. Rosal ine Cardarelli — a Fitchburg State alumna who was awarded the President’s Medal during the ceremony for her work as a humanitarian — remarked in the event’s main address, those who lived and learned through that upheaval must make their mark on a world vastly different from the one envisioned when their journey began at Fitchburg State.
And, through the words of Frederick Douglass, Cardarelli made it clear that they were more than ready to face that challenge.
“Your journey has not been easy,” she said. “I suspect there were times you felt overwhelmed and perhaps even considered quitting. But you didn’t.”
“Frederick Douglass once said, ‘ without struggle, there can be no progress and, at the end of it, you will be stronger, wiser and ready to serve all people with humility and joy.’ Now, with your education, you stand ready to play a role in history.”
Goyette- Connerty, who com
pleted his bachelor’s in computer science after just three years, shared much of the same sentiment, as he charged his classmates to make a positive impact in their lives and those of others through the “strength and resilience” garnered in their shared time at the university.
“Our class has been through every imaginable stage of a ‘ pandemic college experience,’” he said. “I’m sure that all of you here in the crowd have, at some point, questioned whether or not you should continue your education through the challenges you have been presented.
“I see in the crowd today people that managed to continue on the path to a brighter future. I commend you for being in a seat today — I know it’s been awaiting you for a long time,” he said.
School faculty also heaped praise on the class, both for their academic excellence and their resiliency in the “most unusual of circumstances.”
“Your achievement is all the more special,” said humanities professor and faculty union President Rala Diakite, “as you all studied, learned and blossomed in the most unusual of circumstances.”
“We are proud to witness your progress and look forward to following your future endeavors. And, now that the pandemic seems to be waning, perhaps you will look back and find that you discovered unknown strengths and recognized the value of human connections and community,” she said
Donald Irving, a twotime Fitchburg State graduate and member of the school’s board of trustees, was awarded an honorary degree during the ceremony. He touted the importance of “passion and direction” as he commended every student in attendance on their ability and effort despite the harsh realities they were faced with throughout their college career.
“With the degree you have earned here today and the tools you have available, every one of you has the ability to accomplish things I couldn’t even dream about,” he said. “If you can find a passion and harness it with direction you can have an incredible life — and I hope every one of you is fortunate enough to find both on your journey.”
Later, as the students made their way across the stage — and a flock of mortarboards their way across the sky — the ref lection continued.
Joseph Blakemore, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, said he was excited to reach the proverbial academic finish line, an excitement amplified by the fact that the event was held in person.
“I’m just excited to graduate, to have the chance to be here in person with everyone else,” he said. “I wish I had a more creative answer, but I’m excited to take that next step in life.”
Likewise, Jane Reardon, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, said an in-person commencement made the day that much better. Another nursing student, Jennifer Trudeau, called the day “bittersweet” but said she was “excited” for what was next.
“It’s so important, just to have the chance to be here with everyone,” Reardon said. “It’s different — it’s made it feel real.”
“It’s been a very long road,” Trudeau noted. “As much as I’ll miss it, it’s also nice to be done, to be able to go out and get a job and just live life.”
As per fect as the weather was, the day itself was not; university President Richard Lapidus was unable to attend the ceremony due to “unforeseen circumstances.” The commencement’s live broadcast, which ran on Fitchburg Access Television, also faced technical difficulties before the start of the ceremony.
That said, those issues were rectified. And, with interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Catherine Canney presiding and interim Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli assisting, the commencement went on without a hitch.
And now, the Fitchburg State Class of 2022 can take their next collective step as they attempt to make positive change in a world so desperately in need.
“Remember, you have choices and the actions you take along the way to your destiny will be your legacy,” Cardarelli said in her closing remarks. “You have the power to change this world — use that power thoughtfully, with kindness and to the fullest of your abilities.”