Family, Friends, and Faculty Help St. Mary’s Grads Excel
St. Mary’s College of Maryland graduated 450 students with the degree of Bachelor of Arts this May.
President Joseph Urgo’s charge to the Class of 2013: “Remember what you did here [as students at St. Mary’s College], draw on the inspiration of creative endeavor, critical response, and innovative collaboration, long after you have forgotten what you learned, long after you’ve forgotten my words, this charge, and this day.”
This year’s valedictorian was Lauren Elizabeth Dellman, of Cockeysville, Maryland, a double major in economics and English. Miss Dellman told her fellow graduates, “It’s because of my friends and family I am at St. Mary’s. And, it is because of the faculty and staff, I’ve been so successful. We do not fail or succeed in isolation … share it [our college diploma] with the people that helped make it possible.”
Many students at St. Mary’s owe thanks to their friends and family for their support and encouragement, and to the faculty at the college for their unwavering support and dedication to educating the young adults they work with. Peter Burnes is one such student. Mr. Burnes, who has cerebral palsy, received immense support from his family and peers throughout his college career.
His family moved from Montgomery County, Maryland, to help participate in campus events together, and go to athletic events and classes. Thanks to the support of his family, the campus community and faculty, Mr. Burnes, whose determination and accomplishment was acknowledged by Governor Martin O’Malley, graduated with the class of 2013 amid raucous cheers and applause.
Video by Andrew Paul Keiper, Digital Media Specialist, St. Mary’s College of Maryland Library
