By Katelyn DeAlmeida
On September 5, a group of esteemed young women gathered together under a white tent, situated in the middle of campus to be introduced as the Class of 2013 at the Honors Convocation. With their tassels swaying in the wind just as the American flag in the background, these women were ready to begin their last year at Simmons and journey into the real world.
The ceremony began with opening remarks from Charlena Seymour followed by a tribute to “The College Hymn,” led by Danica Buckley and the Simmons College concert choir. Simmons is a “place where we work together, learn together, help each other and build a long lasting and inviting tie to our community,” said Renee T. White, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, in her welcome address. White encouraged the Class of 2016, telling them not to be afraid to learn from their mistakes, that this is the time to work hard and strive for success. In closing, she asked the freshman class to play a little and “see a sun every day, even in the rain.”
The Convocation Address, given by Ambassador William Bellamy, centered primarily on being “without fear.” This was followed by the recognition of the members of Academy, presented by Mary Jane Treacy, professor of Modern Languages and Literature and Director of the Honors Program. Some of the candidates included Brittany Taylor Caruso, Megan Julia Coffey, Casee P. Amores and other inductees who studied and worked exceptionally hard to earn their well-deserved spot in the Academy. Shannon Mary Curran, President of the Class of 2013, welcomed the Class of 2016 in her speech. Then members of the Senior class presented them with their class pins. “Mentorship, leadership, passion, and academic excellence” unified Simmons students, Curran said in her speech. She told the Class of 2016 to learn to grow with Simmons, to challenge themselves academically and personally. Students who made the Dean’s List were recognized after Curran’s speech. Academic Achievement Awards were also distributed.
In the closing of the ceremony, Sarah Neill, Dean of Student Life, spoke exquisitely of the Class of 2013. She praised Simmons’ academics and environment it has to offer. “Simmons has a history of enduring core values and like a close knit community, we are accountable to each other,” Neill said. Speaking to the first-years she urged them to push themselves to their fullest potential. “[Simmons] can and will remain forever always in our hearts,” Neill said, in closing. Reminding students to “strive for goodness, greatness and excellence.”
