Alumni Council President Cicily Shaw ’97 Presents Class Pins at Academic Convocation 2023

Good afternoon. I’m delighted to be here today to represent the 30,000 plus alumni of Stonehill College – including those participating in the procession this afternoon in honor of Stonehill’s 75th anniversary! 

To those of you in the Class of 2024, enjoy your senior year while you relish the upper-level courses in your major, take on leadership positions in the student body, and begin your transition to careers or post-graduate study.  Today, Stonehill presented you with the Senior Class pin.  Wear it today—and again on your robe at Commencement—as a symbol of your academic accomplishment and personal development over four years at Stonehill. 

Today we also give special recognition to members of the Class of 2027.  Like those here from the senior class, I know from personal experience just how exciting it is to be launching a college career—and just how much you have to look forward to over the next four years.  Stonehill sees you both as a student and as a whole person and will provide opportunities to broaden your horizon in many ways, including academics, athletics, volunteering and community outreach. You will make lifelong friends here who will support you in everything you do. Wear your first-year pin today as it serves as a reminder of the collective identity you have as a class—even though I know you will distinguish yourself as individuals.   

I also want to welcome the transfer students who have joined our community.  The advice I just gave to the first-year class holds true for you as well.  You will receive the Class pin for your class year, and, of course, a senior pin when you enter your final year.  And to all returning sophomores and juniors who have joined us today: welcome back!  

I will now present pins to Andrew Parker, Class of 2024 President, and Abigail Green, the Convocation Student Speaker. As you accept these pins, please also accept my best wishes to the Class of 2024 for academic success and personal achievement as you both begin your final year as Stonehill College students. 

Please join me in recognizing the Class of 2024, the Class of 2027 and all transfer students.  

Thank you for inviting me to be with you today as you begin the academic year.