The Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) 2023 commencement ceremony, attended by 21,000 eligible graduates, is led by President Paul LeBlanc. He introduces the ceremony, highlighting the achievements of the graduating class, including their diversity, resilience, and dedication to education.
A student speaker shares their personal story of overcoming obstacles and thriving in the face of adversity, emphasizing the importance of resilience. President LeBlanc then introduces the conferral of degrees, which is followed by the traditional turning of the tassel.
The Alumni Board President, Aarron Dupuis, welcomes the new graduates into the SNHU Alumni Association, and the ceremony concludes with a final round of applause and congratulations. The event features music, including a bagpiper performance, and a rendition of the national anthem sung by a graduate.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Paul LeBlanc is the President of Southern New Hampshire University.
2. The university's 2023 commencement ceremonies had 21,000 eligible graduates.
3. Many graduates attended the ceremony in person in Manchester, New Hampshire, while thousands joined virtually.
4. The ceremony featured a student speaker and an alumni speaker.
5. The university's Social Sciences department has a mission to enhance learners' academic experiences.
6. The department provides a transformative educational experience and supports learners in achieving their academic goals.
7. The university has graduates from all 50 states and 50 countries.
8. The ceremony took place on the ancestral lands of the Abenaki nation.
9. Lisa Marsh Ryerson is the University Provost.
10. The university's motto is "Summa Optimaque," which means "the greatest and the best" in English.
11. The ceremony featured a traditional turning of the tassel, where graduates moved their tassels from the right side of their caps to the left.
12. The university has over 232,000 alumni around the world.
13. The Alumni Board of Directors welcomed the new graduates into the SNHU Alumni Association.
14. The ceremony included a moment of silence to honor loved ones who are no longer with the graduates.
15. The university's faculty and staff were introduced during the ceremony.
16. The ceremony featured a rendition of the national anthem sung by a graduate, Kamryn Sako.
17. The university's President, Paul LeBlanc, introduced the student speaker, Jillian Bernhardt.
18. Jillian Bernhardt is a graduate who has been an actor since age 7 and has appeared in several films and TV shows.
19. Jillian Bernhardt spoke about the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
20. The university's Provost, Lisa Marsh Ryerson, and President, Paul LeBlanc, conferred degrees to the graduates.
21. The ceremony ended with a traditional turning of the tassel and a final round of applause.