“Unbound By Convention” Granite State College Graduates Celebrate at 2022 Commencement Ceremony
MANCHESTER, NH – Granite State College celebrated its Class of 2022 at its commencement ceremony held May 23 at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester.
This year’s class includes 500 adult learners of all ages from the college’s affordable, online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. An estimated 200 graduates were in attendance.
Student speaker Sam Mellert, B.S. Business Management ‘22, reflected on the obstacles he overcame to finish his degree. He also applauded his classmates for balancing work, military service, family, and other obligations while completing their degrees.
“Fellow graduates, no matter where you plan to go from here, I am confident that you will do great things. You already have,” Mellert said.
James W. Dean, Jr., President of Granite State College and the Ƶ, underlined the value of Granite State College’s online programs for adults:
“The model of a Granite State College education represents a bright, innovative future for higher education in our state and in our nation. This is a future that will be unbound by convention. One where a student’s path to a degree is more flexible, affordable, and accessible. One where the pursuit of knowledge and new career opportunities can begin at any point in a person’s life – and on a timeline that fits into their busy lives. It is a model that opens doors for everyone,” President Dean said.
During the ceremony, President Dean presented Jeff Feingold, Editor of NH Business Review, with the Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters. This award is presented to a respected leader whose contributions bring significant enrichment to their community and whose values reinforce the valuable mission of Granite State College.
“Think for a moment about what each of you has accomplished and where you stand today. No matter the degree you earned, no matter the course of study, no matter your ultimate goal, you have accomplished something long lasting that will make your life better,” Feingold said.
Tina Sharby, M.S. Leadership ’18, Chief Human Resources Officer for Easterseals NH, was recognized with the Victor Montana Award. This award is presented annually to an alumna or alumnus who personifies a positive spirit and love of learning by demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning, community service, and their chosen profession.
New Hampshire Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw accepted the Granite State Award in recognition of the organization as a centerpiece of tourism in New Hampshire and for its education-focused philanthropic and community-oriented programs through the New Hampshire Fisher Cats Foundation.
Dean Mike Decelle recognized Paula Shafer and Carmen Frederico with the Distinguished Faculty Award, which celebrates excellence in teaching.
Graduates and Student Honors
Granite State College’s 2022 graduates are listed in the commencement program. Graduates are listed in alphabetical order by degree, beginning with master’s programs.
Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society Inductees, 2022
The College was elated to virtually welcome 58 students into its honor society, Alpha Sigma Lambda, during the 2022 Honors Convocation, held via Zoom on May 11, 2022.
- Crystal Albritton
- Abigail Baker
- Daniel Bell
- Hope Bibeault
- Laura Boncek
- Elizabeth Brown
- Shelby Brown
- Elisa Careggio
- Heather Cassavaugh
- Michael Cassell
- Shannon Champagne
- Kara Chartier
- Aven Comstock
- Thea Conway
- Ashley Couturier
- Shelley-Ann Cullen
- Isabella Desimone
- Lisa Doyon
- Laurie Field
- Abigail Foreman
- Alyssa Garner
- Kacey Gassett
- Sara Gates
- Natasha Gaudette
- Christina Gill
- Joan Gravette
- Morgan Greene
- Todd Hearn
- Rhonda Hensley
- Frankie Hitchcock
- Brandy Hollis
- Jayson Jackson
- Anthony Jerome
- Lindsey Judkins
- David Kell
- Jordan Kesel
- Miles Leno
- Albert Letourneau
- Iris Litterio
- Kaitlyn Marcella
- Jaime Marchand
- Ruvim Martynovich
- Meagan Mcquade
- Samuel Mellert
- Kyle Noel
- Jeanin Onos
- Lynn Ouellette
- Andrew Perry
- Carolann Peteroli
- Madison Ricker
- Joseph Russo
- Denise Sherburne
- Rachel Stoudt
- Joseph Tropea
- Annonciata Uwihoreye
- Whitney Walker
- Sara Weldon
- Douglas Wilson