Schools
To Bloomfield College Graduates: Take Risks, Work Hard, and Grow
The college held its 138th commencement ceremony today. By Joseph Lisnow
Almost 300 Bloomfield College graduates, including four honorary recipients, walked two blocks from College Hall to the Quadrangle as the 138th commencement ceremony started surrounded by friends, family, peers and other guest.
“I’d like to congratulate you,” said Martin McKerrow, chair member on the board of trustees. “This has been a challenging road for every single one of you. You’ve helped support families with your time at Bloomfield College, forced to borrow money, worked two or three jobs and not had much sleep during the period of time at the college. I think we’re here today because we have a common belief that education is transformation of the world. And so what I tell you is, that we don’t think you have the ability to change the world; we know you have the ability to change the world.”
College President Richard Levao and Marion Terenzio, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty, introduced each honorary receipt with their degree.
Dorothea Frank received a Doctorate in Fine Arts. She’s an 11-time New York Times best-selling author who is also a volunteer fundraiser at several colleges, including Bloomfield College and nonprofit organizations across the country. She spoke about how to be successful.
“It all starts here,” said Frank. "Do not be afraid of risk. Amaze your naysayers by proving them wrong. Do not let anyone tell you what who you can become and what you can and cannot do. Make a plan and get busy. Mind your manners. Remember a little grace, consideration and passion will make life that much easier for everyone to bear.”
“There was one thing I didn’t learn in the classroom,” said Jason Dishong, senior address speaker. “Something that you have to get out of yourself is perseverance. All of us can take that with us when we walk out of this tent with our diplomas. We didn’t get these degrees by sitting around for four years. We’ve had our moments of struggle and doubt.”
Ralph Izzo was honored with a Doctorate in Humane Letters. He is chief executive officer and chairman of the Board of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. or PSEG. He also serves on several state board associations that aim to make the world better for the future.
“Today is about the graduates of 2011,” said Izzo. “I encourage you to reflect upon your accomplishments. Today is the beginning. You’ve learned how to learn and now the work and learning process is just beginning.”
Currently in his 12th term in Congress, Democrat Donald Payne was presented a Doctorate in Law. He has been an advocate for cutting college cost and lowering interest loans while increasing Pell Grants. He has helped raise billions of dollars for Africa to combat disease.
“[The college] has a unique opportunity for students of diverse backgrounds,” said Payne. “The future belongs to those who are prepared for it and it’s up to you to move our great nation forward. It’s a much more competitive world then when I went through my career. It’s important that you continue to work hard so that our nation can remain the number one in the world. So your children and grandchildren will have the quality of life that we have had in our past.”
Luis Schuchinski, who escaped Cuba after the Castro revolution hurt his law degree, was awarded a Doctorate in Humane Letters. One year after arriving in America in 1961, he learned English and was accepted into Yale Law School, where he graduated from in four years. He is a retired board member and vice president of Bestfoods Educational Foundation, which has a strong relationship with the college.
“Over the years I have grown to appreciate, respect and admire this institution,” said Schuchinski. “Through the alumni and today’s graduates, it shows their sheer commitment, dedication, hard work and achievement.”
The ceremony started and concluded with a prayer.
“We did it here, so you know we can do it out there,” said Dishong.
