Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth celebrated its 75th commencement outdoors on its Portsmouth campus over the past weekend. To safely accommodate graduating students and a limited number of guests, the college hosted four separate ceremonies on May 14 and May 15.
In total, Great Bay conferred 343 degrees or certificates during the festivities. Graduates from 2020 were invited to participate, after in-person ceremonies were canceled last year because of the pandemic.
The college began in 1945 as the State Trade School at Portsmouth and has become one of northern New England’s leading two-year institutions of higher learning, offering 60 degree and certificate programs in the sciences, technical studies, and liberal arts while serving as an educational and career hub for students, businesses, and the community.
Dr. Cathryn Addy, interim president, gave the commencement address at each Ceremony. She praised students and faculty for their determination and perseverance through a challenging year. When addressing the nursing students at their Pinning and Commencement Ceremony, she thanked them for their commitment to completing their degree.
“While there are a zillion reasons you could have changed your mind this past year,” Addy said, “we are grateful that you did not waiver…those you now serve will be so lucky to have you caring for them.”
Addy commended students on their completion, especially in light of this past year. “When you entered this campus, we wanted you to feel safe enough to risk experiencing new things and new relationships, and we wanted you to challenge yourself academically yet know that we were there to help you if you stumbled. We have tried very hard to make sure you have all the tools you need to succeed as you leave.” she said. “The very fact that you are here, speaks volumes about your potential and about your commitment to create a future for yourself that is meaningful and resilient…… Your presence here is evidence, …that you are ready”.
Student speakers were Erin Hegerty, Kayla Kaulback Samantha Catalano, and Reigan Toof.
Pictured from left Anthem Singers GBCC graduates Ashley Atkinson and Echo Cieleszko sing the National Anthem
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