Claiborne delivers wise advice

Mount Wachusett Community College’s 43rd annual commencement ceremony

By Owen Boss

GARDNER — Mount Wachusett Community College held its 43rd annual Commencement Ceremony Thursday, Ron Claiborne, weekend news anchor for ABC’s “Good Morning America,” delivered the commencement address to the college’s 603 graduates. Ron Claiborne said that he couldn’t even remember who delivered the commencement speech at his graduation, and wanted to ensure that he left the students this college with something that they would remember for the rest of their lives. “My first advice to you as a class is to take a deep breath and relax,” said Mr. Claiborne. “When you think about it there are actually very few milestones in life. Marriage is one, the birth of a child, winning the lottery perhaps. Very few of these milestones are predictable. Very few of these occasions can be seen coming years in advance; graduating from college is one of them.” Mr. Claiborne also emphasized the importance of the school’s involvement in alternative energy sources, and that other institutions across the country should use their lead as an example. “Because your school had the foresight to develop an alternative energy source, Mount Wachusett has succeeded in reducing its reliance on electricity used for heating by 80 percent, that is amazing, and that saved the college $2 million over four years,” said Mr. Claiborne. “Thats not just smart, it’s an example of the kind of leadership and ingenuity that is needed if we are going to turn things around.” College President Daniel Asquino told the graduating seniors during his address that they should use their graduation as a chance to stop and reflect on their many accomplishments during their individual careers at the college. “The lab projects have been completed, the papers have been written and graded, and all of your exams are finished,” said Dr. Asquino. “We are all here this evening to thank you and pay tribute to your success and all of your hard work.” Dr. Asquino added. “It is our hope that one day you too will be at this podium being recognized.” At the ceremony, Dr. Asquino took time to honor those who have devoted themselves to bettering the community around them, and presented the 2008 Service Above Self Awards to Suzanne Farias, general manager of the Four Points by Sheraton Leominster, Ladd Lavallee, co-president of Laddawn Inc.; and Dr. John Mulqueen and registered nurse Paula Mulqueen. Dr. Asquino followed the Service above Self awards by presenting honorary degrees to journalist Ron Claiborne, state Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, D-Barre, and retiring Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Peter Trainor. International journalist Brigit Brauer, who graduated from the college in 1989 was honored as the Alumna of the Year, and told graduates that if there was one thing she learned from being in the real world, it’s that they shouldn’t let their preconceived life goals limit their full potential. “There’s a popular saying in the states, if you shoot for the stars you may at least reach the moon,” said Ms. Brauer. “But you can also turn this around, if you achieve everything you set your mind on, then maybe you have set your goals too low. Do set your goal posts high. The Mount has given you a very sound foundation. It is now up to you to make the most of it.” oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 1 on 5/16/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 117)