Dear Champlain community,
We are rapidly approaching the celebration of our graduating students in dual commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 15.
I am excited to share that this year’s Honorary Degree recipients and speakers will be Governor Phil Scott and Vermont Commissioner of Health, Mark Levine, MD. We are honored to have the opportunity to recognize the tremendous work of these two leaders and we know our community will be inspired to hear their addresses to graduates; both will speak to students in each of the commencement ceremonies.
The Commencement ceremonies will feature the stories and talents of our students, including three student speakers who will address graduates. Angela Richard, representing traditional undergraduate students, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education; Robbin Suggs Williams, representing Champlain College Online undergraduate students, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management in December 2020; and Paul Leenderste, representing Champlain College Online graduate students, received his Master of Science in Information Security Operations in December 2020. Hilary Delisle, a Champlain College staff member graduating with a Master of Business Administration, will sing the national anthem. Stephen Wehmeyer, Associate Professor in the Core Division, will give the faculty address.
Champlain College will celebrate its traditional undergraduate students in a virtual ceremony for students and their families and friends. The virtual broadcast will be followed by small, in-person ceremonies on campus, in which students will cross the stage as their names are read. The in-person ceremonies will follow all health and safety protocols and will include students only; families and friends will watch virtually.
Champlain will celebrate Champlain College Online undergraduate and all master’s degree students in a virtual ceremony for students, families and friends, who will be tuning in from locations across the country and around the world.
Additional details about our Honorary Degree speakers can be found here, and more information about both ceremonies can be found on the Commencement website. The College will provide an online broadcast for both ceremonies on this site; the times for all ceremonies and instructions for viewing will be posted soon.
I look forward to celebrating all of our students next month and hope you will join me in honoring our students’ achievements.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Ola. Akande
President, Champlain College