205 degrees conferred at Wilmington College’s 149th Commencement
Pictured from the left, Wilmington resident Shannon O'Boyle, Adrienne Reynek and Levi Hartschuh take a selfie as the graduates assemble for their traverse across the campus for their Commencement ceremony. (Submitted photo)
Sunny skies reigned over Wilmington College’s 149th Commencement Saturday (May 10) as some 205 students earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Organizational Leadership and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degrees.
Megan Canfield, a 2017 alumna, presented the keynote address. She is a tireless advocate for meaningful change in global and local communities, an attribute for which she gained foundational experience while a student at the College.
Lisa A. Elliott, who received a Master of Organizational Leadership, represented students in WC’s graduate programs. She shared the story of being from Wilmington, Del., which has a Wilmington University. She unwittingly interviewed to become a student in the online MOL program at Wilmington College, thinking she lived five miles from the school.
“But as life has a funny way of taking different roads, Wilmington College was exactly the right place I needed to be,” Elliott said. She offered several reflections that have served her well in life. “(1) Be self-aware. Reflect often, listen deeply and give yourself grace. (2) Lead with gratitude. It will shape your attitude, your relationships and your resilience. (3) Fall forward. Mistakes are not detours. They are part of the path — opportunities.”
Garrett Simmons, who received a Bachelor of Science, represented his fellow undergraduates.
He spoke about “turtle time,” in which the long-lived reptiles accumulate time rather than spend it.
“They accumulate their decades growing in size, acquiring knowledge and overcoming the challenges that nature and humans throw at them.” He noted how college students experience their own turtle time. “Over the past several years, we have grown, acquired knowledge and skills, and overcome the obstacles that life threw at us.”
“Wilmington College has taught me to be more like a turtle,” he added. “I say with confidence that we have been prepared to face whatever life brings our way — enjoying the sweet moments in life and remaining resilient through the bitter. It is my greatest wish that all of you will do the same.”
Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.