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Commencement Address
CCRI President Ray Di Pasquale
May 16, 2008
Community College of Rhode Island
Commencement Address
May 16, 2008
Ray Di Pasquale, President
Governor Carcieri, Senator Reed, Congressman Langevin, Lt. Gov. Roberts, Chairman Caprio, Commissioner Warner, members of the Board of Governors for Higher Education; Karen Finn, Karen Adams, city, state and federal officials; CCRI faculty, staff and alumni; guests and friends of the college, thanks to all of you for being such an important part of this extraordinary day!
To the members of the 2008 graduating class of the Community College of Rhode Island, congratulations on becoming the newest members of “TEAM CCRI!”
In preparing my commencement address to you today, it struck me that the real story of my message is all about you. As the president of an institution with nearly 17,000 students, rarely a day goes by when I don’t have the opportunity to meet students and to listen to your incredible stories of perseverance. So rather than a typical commencement speech, I’m going to focus on just a few of the extraordinary students that we have the privilege of teaching. This is just a small sample of the extraordinary stories of accomplishment found at the community college. I think I speak for faculty and staff when I state that playing such an integral part in the lives of students is an awesome experience.
Let me begin with the story of Amanda Salzat. Amanda graduates today with a degree in Law Enforcement. Incidentally, this is dual graduation day as her 4-year-old daughter, Jalynn, “graduated” this morning from preschool.
A young mother after graduating from high school, Amanda never lost
sight of her dream to go to college. She entered CCRI when Jalynn was 6
months old. Her mother, a 1994 graduate of CCRI, baby-sat while Amanda
jockeyed between classes, studying and getting to work at 3:30 a.m. for
the start of her shift at UPS to load delivery trucks. On weekends, she
waitressed at a local restaurant.
Amanda has been an intern at the state Department of Health for two
semesters, working in the toxicology lab. She also had the unusual
experience of witnessing an autopsy performed by a state medical
examiner.
Amanda is waiting to hear if she’s been accepted to the University of
New Haven to study forensic science. Our fingers are crossed for you,
Amanda. Congratulations to you and to Jalynn.
George Garcia is a man who can’t be kept down – not even by deep
depression. Though he fights it valiantly everyday of his life, his
depression is by no means the only obstacle he has had to overcome in
order to be standing here today.
He and his wife survived rocky times over the years with work injuries, health injuries and a violent home invasion that left him seriously injured.
George is a father of seven. He juggled marriage, fatherhood and school schedules to finish his associate degree in psychology, which he will continue studying at Rhode Island College in the fall, with plans to become a high school psychologist.
George says his goals in life are not centered around money, but rather personal satisfaction. Well, George, you and your family can be very satisfied today with your accomplishments. Congratulations!
Rebecca Snyder is a Dental Assisting major and vice president of the college’s Dental Assisting Club.
This past fall, she was one of a group of students that organized a “Smile Drive” to teach students at the Fifth Avenue Elementary School in Woonsocket how to brush their teeth properly and maintain good oral hygiene.
She has been recognized by the American Dental Assistants Association with the Student Achievement Award for her academic accomplishments, including a 3.76 GPA, and her community service efforts.
She also was recognized by CCRI faculty with the Shooting Star award for her leadership in organizing the Smile Drive.
What you may not know about Rebecca is her country and western singing talent. Under her stage name, Rebecca Lou Snyder, she has released four CDs and performed nationally and locally, including appearances at the Tennessee Country Music Alliance Convention and Awards Show and the annual Ancients and Horribles parade in Chepachet on the Fourth of July.
She will start a new position at the office of dentist Patrick McGuirk in Smithfield. Congratulations, Rebecca Lou, we hope to see your name in lights soon.
Ronald Jones credits much of his success to his mother, Robin Brooks, who moved the family to Providence from Brockton, Massachusetts, in 2003 and changed the course of his education. He got a fresh start at Mount Pleasant High School as a sophomore. After graduation, he took a year off to work, unsure of what he would do with his life. He was attending an advising session with a friend at CCRI when he met adviser Jackie Mane and decided to enroll in classes. He achieved a 3.75 GPA and was invited to join the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.
In addition to his classes, he works the third shift at Re-Focus Inc. with developmentally disabled clients. He would like to start a nonprofit organization to help this population one day.
Tonight, Ron graduates with a 3.82 GPA and will transfer to Bryant University to study accounting on a scholarship this fall. We have no doubt that you will achieve your dreams, Ron.
Ron was one of five outstanding candidates nominated to be this year’s student speaker. Choosing a student speaker was an extremely difficult decision, and I want to take a moment to recognize the other candidates.
Sophie Chea was born in Cambodia in the time of the Khmer Rouge. She, her parents and siblings moved from refugee camp to refugee camp, often getting only a can of rice and two fish to feed all of them for the day. Sophie appreciates that, in America, she is free to get an education and better her life and the lives of her two daughters, Kaileen and Lorelei. She served as Student Government president at the Flanagan Campus in Lincoln this year, and is transferring to Bridgewater State College and hopes to study pharmacy and business in the future. Congratulations on your achievements, Sophie.
James LeShane returned to school 27 years after his high school graduation and will graduate tonight with a 4.0 GPA. He will continue on to study political science and English at the University of Rhode Island through the Joint Admissions Agreement. He said he wants to instill the importance of education on his daughter, Mary Catherine, who will turn 13 this fall. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree, he hopes to attend law school and then run for political office. We’re sure you’ll find success, Jim.
Ailton Barbosa served as Student Government president this year at the Liston Campus in Providence. He has already transferred through the Joint Admissions Agreement to Rhode Island College, where he is studying political science. A native of Cape Verde, he came to America during high school. After he graduated, he attended a college prep program at Dorcas Place and the agency paid for his first class at CCRI. He took ESL classes and became interested in political science. He eventually would like to obtain a master’s degree in international relations, and his dream job is in the international arena, perhaps as a diplomat. We’ll be tracking your success, Ailton.
Wherever I go in the community, I talk about all of your successes. I talk about the accomplishments of our faculty and staff. I talk about the community spirit we have among our campuses, as evidenced by your enthusiasm during recent events like All College Week. Even in these trying economic times, you have persevered by acquiring new knowledge and valuable skills at CCRI that will prepare you for your future. Indeed, this is a place where you CAN change your life and achieve your dreams.
I hope you will remember the countless hours you spent at CCRI, studying, asking questions of your professors, of your peers and of the community. I hope you will remember the challenges you faced, the sacrifices you made and the tenacity you mustered to overcome them. I hope that whatever experience you carved out for yourself here at the college, you take away fond memories to treasure throughout your lifetime.
Wherever you go or whatever you do, you will always be connected to CCRI. But for now, before you take the next step in your future, take a moment to reflect on your achievements. They are truly incredible, and we are so proud of you.
Ray M. Di Pasquale
President
Community College of Rhode Island
