Largest December Class in School History

59 GRADUATE AT DECEMBER CEREMONY

December 19, 2012

Lyndon celebrated an afternoon graduation on December 14 in the Alexander Twilight Theatre before an enthusiastic crowd of 450 well-wishers. The 59 degree candidates make up the largest December graduating class in school history.

The candidates, escorted in by a bagpipe and drum processional, listened to opening remarks by Dean of Academic Affairs, Donna Dalton. They were officially welcomed by LSC President Joe Bertolino. Bertolino presented three key points to the new grads: Be hopefully optimistic, serve the community and others, and have hope. He defined this specific hope as “having a spine of steel.” He also exhorted the assembled students to “show up for life.”

Jianchuan “Jason” Zheng gave the student address. Zheng, from China, is the first Chinese student to graduate from LSC. He charmed the assembly with a humorous account of his first days at the college, including his first experiences with a toaster and the bafflement he had during his initial encounter with daylight savings time. Zheng is the first in his family to graduate from college and he thanked his parents for both the opportunity and their support.

Mathematics Professor Dr. James Bozeman charged the candidates to become positive role models for generations to come.

The audience gave Dalton a standing ovation as appreciation for her work at the college. This ceremony served as her last official function as a member of the LSC administration. Dalton retires at the end of the fall semester. A nation-wide search for her replacement has begun; Dr. Alison Lathrop has been appointed interim dean.

The graduates, celebrating with guests and chatting over refreshments afterwards in the Theatre lobby, were eager to share their plans for the future. Many are launching careers this week including a full-time paraeducator for Barre City Elementary, the new stage manager for musician James Taylor, and a recently elected member of the House of Representatives for Maine’s District 134.