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They came from across the country. Many drove to Springfield. And some streamed the 127th Commencement.  Planes, trains, and automobiles—regardless of the mode of transportation, over 650 ¹ú²úÓ´Ó´ graduates and family and friends made their way to the Longmeadow campus for a week of pre-graduation events leading up to the Big Day:  Commencement on May 11 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield (MA).

Dozens of gatherings took place on the Longmeadow campus, celebrating our graduates from the traditional college, The American Women’s College, and from over 25 master’s and doctoral programs. 

Two stellar events were held on May 10: The Doctoral Hooding and the annual Vana Nespor Rose Ceremony

Since offering the first doctorate in 2017, the Doctoral Hooding ceremony at ¹ú²úÓ´Ó´ has grown significantly. A doctoral degree represents the culmination of years of commitment, dedication, and hard work. With the hooding ceremony, each candidate is recognized for their efforts and inaugurated into a privileged group of educators and practitioners—becoming esteemed members of their profession.  In 2024, Occupational Therapy Doctorates were earned by 14 candidates; Doctor of Nursing Practice by 13 present/16 awarded; Educational Leadership Doctorate by 12 present/26 awarded; and Doctor of Health Science by 27. The Doctoral Hooding is a highly personal, up-close event that is the prequel to Commencement held on the next day.

The doctoral candidates then joined over 600 other soon-to-be alumni in the MassMutual Center arena for the 127th Commencement.  Highlights of the ceremony included the Student Addresses from undergraduate criminal justice major Asli Abdullahi Hassan Ibrahim '24 and educational leadership doctorate student Erin Farrow G'24. Of special note, Carrie Burr '86, Chair of the Board of Trustees, announced that eight retiring faculty members were granted emeritus/emerita/dean emeritus status.

The honorary degrees were awarded to Harold Grinspoon, founder and president of Aspen Square Management, Inc., and philanthropist, and Diane Troderman, wife of Harold Grinspoon, and a passionate supporter of Jewish culture and learning.  Also, the Eagle Award for the Student-Athlete from the graduating class was given to Taylor Suffoletto '24; and the Pathfinder Award to Kimberly Rockwood '24.  Congratulations and Carpe Diem!