The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
‘A BETTER WORLD’
Middlesex Community College launches 427 graduates into a future of possibilities
MIDDLETOWN >> From the very first day at Middlesex Community College, Megan Schneider was amazed at the conversations in her classroom.
Schneider, who said she considered herself a veteran when it came to colleges — having previously attended Southern Connecticut State University — found herself in the midst of discussions about dinosaurs and Halloween costumes for pets.
While Schneider, who spoke to soon-to-be graduates at commencement exercises Thursday, said she realized most people would have been perplexed by the topics, they allowed her firstday jitters to ease. “It was in this moment that I
“You are needed more than ever to pave the way for the next generation of students.” — Middletown Police Capt. Gary Wallace, commencement speaker
knew that I found my people — my group of intelligent, silly and talented individuals, and we were all from different places,” she said.
Schneider was one of 427 graduates who huddled together under white tents for the 50th annual commencement ceremony on the college lawn as the rain fell.
Family and friends found shelter under a sea of colorful umbrellas as they searched for their graduate.
President Anna Wasescha, who recently accepted a new position in Minnesota, presided over her last graduation ceremony and the college’s historic anniversary.
During her time as president, Wasescha supported campus initiatives that promoted civil engagement, including New York Times roundtable conversations, arts and media festivals and the construction of the pavilion of Founders Hall, to create a safe space for all students, she told those gathered.
“We’ve done all this and more to help you acquire the skills and knowledge you will need and habits of mind for you to have — and especially for your moral compass, so that you can contribute for the greater good, as leaders.”
Among the graduates, 43 students received one or more degrees or certificates. The youngest was 18 and the oldest, 68. More than 23 veterans and 23 foreign international students graduated.
During the ceremony, Rob Olson and Virginia Nuñez-Olson were awarded distinguished service awards. Rachel Watkins, class valedictorian, was not the only student graduating with a 4.0. James Dignan and Sharon Turcotte also earned a perfect grade-point average.
Using history to guide his speech, commencement speaker Middletown Police Capt. Gary Wallace asked the audience to step 50 years back in time.
The Vietnam War, The Beatles and Supreme Court rulings helped shape Wallace’s life, he said, as he reminded graduates to never forget.
“Every single piece of this history is ingrained in every single one of you. You are the next chapter in history. What you accomplished here is the next line in a story of a college graduate in the year 2017,” Wallace said.
He reminded graduates to be mindful of events and always communicate with one another. “You are needed more than ever to pave the way for the next generation of students,” Wallace said.
He closed with a quote from 50 years ago by the first MxCC president, Phillip D. Wheaton.
“‘I say to you there is something about a new college — simple, naïve, still sudsy behind the ear, with dirt under its fingernails, yet it suggests that it be given the chance to try.
“‘To try to create an environment where a student not only learns to make a better living but a place which helps him make a better world,’” Wallace said.