President Denning congratulates the Class of 2020

Good afternoon and thank you for joining us on this truly unique occasion—the first Stonehill commencement to be held in August, and also our first virtual commencement.

I am so grateful to be here with you all, but truly hope we don’t repeat this virtual commencement in the future… actually ever again.

As others have noted already, the experience of the past six months has, for all of us, been challenging, frustrating, and disappointing. That is especially true for those we honor here today: the Class of 2020.

In the midst of such a trying time, you have all given me great comfort and great hope. Consistently, your refusal to be deterred by this year’s many setbacks has been coupled by an unwavering ability to thrive and persist despite those odds.

Your maturity and concern for others has certainly touched us all and it has been evident in our celebration today. 

In the Invocation, Emily Daversa strikes a humble note, asking God to “make us ever mindful on whose shoulders we stand, as well as those who follow in our footsteps.”

Erin Flanagan challenges us not to think of what we have lost but of everything we have gained, while Alison Cashin turns to her professors, advisors, and friends in gratitude. And, we have all been blessed by the beautiful voices of Jamie Flood and Wendy Lucas.

These are the voices of confident, capable, caring young graduates. The education that they have received has truly inspired their hearts and minds.

As Matthew Slater commented, “When things happen that are outside of the plan that we had for ourselves, we have to find a way to maintain our faith and keep moving forward.”

This is exactly what the Class of 2020 has accomplished. You kept faith, stayed on track, and continued your journey moving forward.

As you go out into the world, I know you will be leaders with strong character, ability, and compassion—bearers of Lux et Spes, Light and Hope.

We need Light and Hope in our world today… much, much more of it. As a priest and a college president, that need for hope and how we enkindle it is constantly on my mind.

Before he died, civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis wrote an essay that was published on the day of his funeral. Nine paragraphs long, it caught my eye and I have read it closely several times because of the powerful message his words delivered.

Reflecting on his life, Congressman Lewis recalls “how ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul” of society.

He goes on to encourage the next generation to be the one that historians will credit with laying down “the heavy burdens of hate at last” and that peace finally triumphs “over violence, aggression and war.” 

And the Congressman continues, “So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.”

My prayer is that the education you received at Stonehill is one that continues to challenge you to be ordinary people with extraordinary vision to redeem souls and society and that the power of everlasting love be your guide.

May your bond with Stonehill always be strong and close. No matter where you live or work, you are now members of our alumni family 27,000 strong. Stay connected. We need and welcome your leadership and involvement.

Members of the Class of 2020, by embodying Light and Hope, may you open your eyes and your hearts to see, encounter, and learn from your neighbors, as you share your gifts and talents in support of justice and compassion.

May you know God’s kindness this day and always. Let us pray that our Lady, Queen of the Summit, watch over you in her love.

Thanks so very much.