Fr. Denning's Commencement Remarks

Good afternoon. It is so good that we have all gathered here this day to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2021.

This has certainly been such a disruptive year. Looking back at all of the decisions that needed to be made and daily routines of working and studying throughout the semesters, one of the questions I never thought I would be asked so often was: “Have you blown your nose in the last hour?”

For the students, faculty, and staff of Stonehill College—this question was posed at least once, but often twice a week as we entered Alumni Hall to be tested for Covid—19. We have all benefitted from the extraordinary work done by so many of our colleagues—faculty, staff, and students in keeping us living and learning on campus. And, we are all so very grateful.

In light of the pandemic, Pope Francis wrote a letter celebrating the life of St. Joseph. He reminds us that St. Joseph represents how—“our lives are woven together and sustained by ordinary people; People often overlooked.” He goes on to name—“Doctors, nurses, supermarket workers, cleaning personnel, essential services and public safety employees, as well as caregivers. They understood that no one is saved alone… how, many people daily exercise patience and offer hope, taking care to offer not panic, but shared responsibility.”

When COVID-19 began to afflict our world early last year, Dr. Judy Salerno answered the call for retired physicians to help in the response to the pandemic. In doing so, Dr. Salerno risked her health and well-being to assist those impacted by the pandemic and to bring comfort and healing.

Here on campus, we have seen for ourselves similar dedication. On behalf of the College and the Class of 2021, I would like to invite our health-care professionals, who led our testing and contact tracing efforts this year, to kindly stand, so that we might thank you and all those who tirelessly worked in helping to keep our beloved Stonehill community safe and healthy. Maria Sullivan, Director of Health Services, Monique Avila, Coordinator of the Testing Center, and Doreen Vovcsko, Coordinator of the Testing Center.

We also recognize you, the Class of 2021, who have faced daunting challenges over this past year. Yet, in the face of many hardships and uncertainties, you have distinguished yourselves by your sense of community, togetherness, ability to adapt, resilience, and above all, your commitment to equity and justice.

If we reflect back on Sophia Povada’s remarks, she reminded us all, and especially her classmates, to continue to advocate, act, and lead on behalf of those who have been marginalized in our society.

I have had the good fortune to know many members of the Class of 2021. I have seen how you have emerged stronger, more mature, and with a confidence tempered by humility.

I am especially grateful to you for how you have worked to make Stonehill a more welcoming and inclusive community. I am confident that you will take that spirit of service and commitment to justice out into the wider world, furthering the common good, and embodying Lux et Spes.

As we come towards the end of this ceremony, let us remind ourselves that, as Pope Francis notes, our lives are indeed—woven together and sustained by people who offer hope—who do so much on behalf of others.

Members of the Class of 2021, I trust you will always feel welcome on campus, and as you go forward into the world, may Mary, Queen of the Summit, watch over us in her love.

Congratulations and God Bless.