Commencement 2024
Bringing the Bear’s Den to Downtown Springfield
By Mercedes Maskalik
On Sunday, May 19, Western New England University held its commencement ceremonies at Springfield’s MassMutual Center, marking the first time the event took place at this location in more than two decades. The decision to move the venue came after careful consultation with students, allowing for a larger gathering of family and friends. The ceremonies witnessed 517 undergraduates and 358 graduates receive their diplomas, surrounded by peers from across the United States and beyond.
President Robert E. Johnson praised the graduates for their resilience and determination. "Today marks a pivotal moment in your lives, filled with the joy of achievement and the anticipation of future contributions," he said.
Emmy Award-winning NBC10 Boston journalist Latoyia Edwards and Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Ashley Randle L’14 delivered the commencement addresses for the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies, respectively.
Edwards, in her address to the undergraduates, emphasized the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back to the community. “Your journey does not end here," she said, urging the graduates to use their voices for good and to be catalysts for change in their communities.
Commissioner Randle shared her personal story of growth from a local farm to leading state agricultural policy. “We are rooted in our communities, and from these roots, we grow and impact the world,” Randle told the graduates, illustrating the influence of dedication and local engagement on broader societal outcomes.
Undergraduate student speaker Nina Sullivan reflected on the shared experiences and challenges she and her class overcame, "We stood together, studied together, and we thrive together. Let’s carry forward this unity wherever we go."
The commencement was not only a celebration of academic achievements, but also a testament to the enduring spirit and commitment of the Western New England University community.
