College of Saint Elizabeth celebrates 117th commencement

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The last class from the College of Saint Elizabeth’s traditional undergraduate women’s college graduated on Saturday, May 11 at Mennen Arena.

In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Helen J. Streubert, president of CSE, paid tribute to this historic class.

“This group of women stand before you today strong and proud of their accomplishments,” said Streubert. “They have taught their male counterparts about what it means to be a CSE student.”

“You have received a precious gift in your education,” said Sister Rosemary Moynihan, chair of the board of trustees. “Nothing you do can change the structure of the universe but by raising your voice you can help move the greatest of all causes: justice, goodwill and peace among all people.”

Keynote speaker, David Clowney, ’11, a retired wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL), spoke about his personal journey with education. Clowney emphasized the power of knowledge and encouraged students to never stop learning.

“Education is powerful, it is the first step to cross-cultural understanding, it builds confidence, combats poverty, helps with decision-making skills and creates opportunities,” says Clowney, who is the current receiver coach and pass game coordinator at Howard University in Washington, DC. “By attending the College of Saint Elizabeth, understand that you didn’t make a four-year decision. You made a 40- and 50-year decision.”

Student Speaker Tatyanna Frost, a sociology major from Trenton, NJ, spoke about how the College’s core values of integrity, social responsibility, leadership and excellence in teaching and learning have profoundly impacted the students’ daily lives.

“We don’t all have the same complexion, we aren’t all the same size and we do not come from the same backgrounds but [these core values] unite us into one community,” says Frost. “They help with the holistic development of each person in the class of 2019.”

The graduate speaker, Sister Emily Wureh, left war-torn Liberia for the security and comfort of CSE’s campus. Her speech detailed CSE’s role in preparing students to contest injustice and approach all difficult situations with compassion.

“The College promotes the development of the whole person academically, spiritually, socially and humanely,” says Wureh. “This community helps build one’s self-esteem to face the world. It’s a place where everyone feels respected and loved.”

Jennifer Hanselman, ’93, inducted the graduates into the Alumnae/i Association.

Congratulations to the Class of 2019!

www.cse.edu

Mary Colleen Robinson has a communication degree with a concentration in journalism and is currently working as the PR/Social Media Specialist at the College of Saint Elizabeth 

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