By Kärin Radock
Interim News Editor
Speakers at Winter Commencement.
FSU graduated 548 undergraduate and graduate students at the school’s Winter Commencement last Saturday in DPAC.
Held in conjunction with the ceremony was FSU’s first-ever Winter Festival, which began last Friday.
“The graduate and undergraduate students in this room represent a tremendous collection of brainpower, talent and perseverance,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Linda Vaden-Goad at the beginning of the ceremony, following the Invocation from FSU Catholic Chaplain Hai Ok Hwang and the National Anthem sung by the Class of 2012’s Barbara Pierre.
Dr. Thomas Koshy, professor emeritus, gave the commencement address. A mathematics professor at FSU since 1970, Koshy has written distinguished books on the subject including “Catalan Numbers with Applications” and “Fibonacci and Lucas Numbers with Applications,” which won the Association of American Publishers’ New Book Award in 2008.
He has also had 125 articles published in academic journals including “The Mathematical Gazette,” “The College Mathematics Journal” and “The Journal of Recreational Mathematics.” He is a peer-reviewer for “Mathematics” Magazine and “The American Mathematical Monthly.”
He has received the Distinguished Faculty of the Year Award, the Commonwealth Citation for Outstanding Performance, the Distinguished Service Award, and was named to the 2007 edition of “2,000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century” and the 2006-07 edition of “Great Minds of the 21st Century.”
Koshy addressed the students, their families and faculty, emphasizing the importance of working for pleasure.
“Contrary to what you may think, it does not matter a great deal what you majored in,” he said.
He used New York Times Columnist Thomas Friedman as an example.
“In the early 1970s at the University of Minnesota, he majored in Arabic and Middle Eastern studies. Many of his peers thought he was mentally imbalanced. After two years, he transferred to Brandeis, and graduated in military training studies.”
Koshy said that today, Friedman is a widely read and highly respected journalist who has won three Pulitzer Prizes for journalism.
Koshy also described his passion for mathematics and the important role receiving an education played in turning that passion into a life-long career.
“Search for a job you enjoy doing. Love what you do. … Always, always welcome challenges. They will pave the way for new opportunities.”
Before the conferral of degrees by Chair of the Board of Trustees Raymond Boulanger, President Timothy Flanagan joked, “OK, this is the official part.”
Vaden-Goad awarded the bachelor of arts degrees, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Development Susanne Conley awarded the bachelor of science degrees, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education Scott Greenberg awarded the master’s degrees, and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Ellen Zimmerman, along with faculty representing the university’s graduate programs assisted with the hooding of master’s degree recipients.
Ralph Eddy, ’96, vice president of the Framingham State University Alumni Association Board of Directors, and director of Dining Services, welcomed the graduates as the association’s newest members.
“We hope that you will return to campus and proudly represent your class, your major and your institution,” he said.
After the undergraduate and graduate students alike moved their graduation cap tassels from right to left, signifying their official status as university graduates, they gathered for a reception in the Athletic Center gym.
Allison Abbruzzese, who graduated with a B.S. in business and information technology, and was among the students to graduate Magna Cum Laude, said, “It was a great day and the ceremony went really well.”
Marice Rocha Tang, who graduated with a B.S. in biology, enthusiastically exclaimed, “It feels amazing!”
Denise Courtney, who graduated with an M.S. in food and nutrition, said, “I’m excited for the next step in my life. Framingham State provided me with a great base for creativity and great work skills. I’m very proud.”
Michelle Cunningham, athletics administrative assistant, whose daughter, Brenna Cunningham, graduated with an M.E. in literacy and language, said, “I thought the commencement ceremony was wonderful.”
Carlos Canto, who graduated with a B.A. in economics, said graduating feels “Awesome!”
Raeven Fuller, who graduated with a B.A. in psychology, said with a sigh, “It’s [graduating] the most relaxing feeling and nerve-wracking experience, because now you have to make it on your own.”
Her mother, Maureen Fuller, said, “We waited so long for this! Raeven has worked really hard and we’re very proud of her.”
Bob Sabatino, father of Laura Ann Sabatino, who graduated with a B.S. in business administration, said, “It [the commencement ceremony] was simply perfect. It was run perfectly. The president spoke well. I’d like to congratulate all the graduates and their parents also. The university is a really fine state school – they’ve really done a lot and I’d recommend it to anyone. I wish everyone the best.”
Internship Coordinator for Career Services, Dawn Ross, said, “I thought the ceremony was awesome. It was well-organized and the quickest one I’ve ever attended. There was enough seating, and it was well attended. I’m very happy for the graduates.”
Eddy said, “It was a wonderful day. We’re very proud of the graduating students.”
Vaden-Goad said, “Congratulations [to the graduates]. Make this an important moment in your life where you make things change in powerful ways. We’re proud of and excited for you.”
Flanagan said, “I’m very proud – whether you graduated with a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. They [the graduates] put a lot of time and effort into their work here. We look forward to hearing about their work.”
