Times Chronicle & Public Spirit
Manor graduates Class of 2018
State Sen. Art Haywood delivers commencement speech to more than 100 graduates
ABINGTON » As the sound of “Pomp and Circumstance” permeated the gymnasium of Manor College May 17, more than 100 students processed down the aisle of the auditorium, beaming and waving to their families and friends on their way to becoming graduates, earning an Associate in Art and/or Science degree.
Manor College welcomed state Sen. Art Haywood, D-4, as the 2018 commencement speaker. Brenda Roselle, a member of the Manor College Board of Trustees, served as the master of ceremonies, while Marta J. Penjalskyj, a graduating member of the Class of 2018, delivered a commencement oration.
Penkalskyj, a Ukrainian-American Philadelphia native who graduated with a higher than 4.0 GPA, began her address with acknowledging the many accomplishments of the Class of 2018.
“A college degree is more than a decorative certificate,” she said. “It’s enables us to challenge the complexities of the world and empowers us to influence change.”
She gave thanks to all the administrators, faculty and staff
who have had an impact on her and her classmates. Penkalskyj concluded her remarks by challenging her fellow graduates to never dismiss their dreams but to always pursue them with vigor.
Penkalskyj will be continuing her studies at Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, Ukraine, where she will be studying history, with a focus on Central-Eastern European history.
Haywood spoke to the buzzing crowd of 500-plus family members, friends, faculty, administrators and community members and discussed his experience being a young graduate and choosing what to do next with his life. He stressed the importance of choosing one’s own path.
“Make choices that are consistent to who you are,” Haywood said. “Make a decision grounded in your reality.”
Haywood ended his address by explaining the importance of remaining strong in trying times.
“If you are tough enough to stand up for yourself, you’ll be an example for others,” he said.
In previous years, Manor College graduates were forced to seek a bachelor’s degree elsewhere because the terminal degree offered by the college was associate. In early May, Manor College announced that starting in the fall, it will offer 14 brand bachelor’s degrees. These new degrees will give alumni and current students the opportunity to stay and complete their degree at Manor.