BRIDGEPORT, Conn., May 7, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, May 4,
2024, University of Bridgeport
(UB) hosted its commencement ceremonies at the Hartford Healthcare
Amphitheater in Bridgeport, CT.
The clouds gave way to bright, sunny skies, and the weekend rain
held off as UB honored more than 1,200 graduates at its 114th
commencement ceremonies. A crowd of family, friends, and UB faculty
and staff looked on as UB welcomed its newest class of graduates
into its global network of proud alumni.
In back-to-back ceremonies, undergraduate and then graduate
students made their way across the stage to accept their diplomas.
In total, 500 undergraduate degrees and more than 700
graduate-level degrees were conferred. Both ceremonies opened with
a processional performed by UB Steel, the University's steel drum
band, after which a choir of faculty, staff, and students performed
the National Anthem.
In her opening remarks, President Danielle Wilken acknowledged the remarkable
achievements of the graduating class of 2024. She commended them
for their commitment to active listening and civil discourse,
particularly at a time when college campuses face many challenges.
She declared that the UB class of 2024 stood out as a model of
civility and respect, a testament to their character and the values
their faculty and staff instilled at UB. Drawing from her personal
and professional experiences, Wilken asked the class of 2024 to
look ahead to their futures and encouraged them not to be afraid to
fly.
Following opening remarks offered by President Wilken, along
with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal
(undergraduate only), Bridgeport
Mayor Joe Ganim (undergraduate
only), CT State Senator Herron
Gaston (graduate only), and Board of Trustees Chair
Ann B. Clark, the student speakers
addressed their graduating classes.
In her undergraduate address, Karen
Nineth Garza, a first-generation college graduate who
graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical
Engineering, challenged her peers to live their futures to their
fullest while continually reflecting on their memories of UB that
will stick with them forever.
In her graduate address, Oluwademilade Iretomiwa Faloye, who
graduated with a Master of Science in Analytics and Systems, spoke
of the gift of memory and the ability to know when one is making
special memories. She echoed President Wilken's message of looking
forward by encouraging her peers to see this occasion as a new
beginning and live their futures with a sense of purpose,
integrity, and humility.
Following the undergraduate student speaker address, UB alumni
and Doctor of Humane Letters recipient Robert Padula congratulated the class of 2024.
Padula encouraged the graduates before him to always give back to
their communities as they live out their lives as UB alumni.
Renowned civil rights attorney Benjamin
L. Crump received an honorary degree and delivered the
commencement address at both ceremonies. In an impassioned, fiery
speech, Mr. Crump encouraged the graduating class of 2024 not to be
spectators in life but to jump into the arena and do something for
someone — because, he emphasized, today's graduates are the
greatest hope for our future.
The day's remarks formed a unified message for UB's graduates —
the future is yours to embrace, yet as you spread your wings
and learn to soar, don't forget to uplift those around you.
Inviting the students to step forward into their future, Provost
Dr. Manyul Im presented the degree candidates, after which
President Wilken proudly conferred their degrees. To close the
day's ceremonies, William Moran, a
2024 Golden Knight, welcomed the 2024 graduating class into UB's
newest alumni class. Participants joined in the Alma Mater
performed by the commencement choir, after which UB Steel ended the
commencement ceremonies with its closing recessional.
For more information about University of
Bridgeport's commencement ceremonies and full video
recordings of the events, visit
www.bridgeport.edu/commencement.
About University of
Bridgeport
University of Bridgeport offers
career-oriented undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees
and programs for people seeking personal and professional growth.
The University promotes academic excellence, personal
responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in
an international, culturally diverse, and supportive learning
environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an
increasingly interconnected world. The University is independent
and non-sectarian. www.bridgeport.edu
For media inquiries, please contact:
Abby Levandoski
Communications Manager
University of Bridgeport
Email: aleva@bridgeport.edu
Phone: 203-576-4151
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SOURCE University of Bridgeport