NEWBURGH- Mount Saint Mary College held it’s 61st Commencement on Saturday and marked the day by recognizing nearly 450 graduates with both graduate and undergraduate degrees.
Fr. Gregoire Fluet, Interim President of the Mount, told the graduates that the day did not mark the end of their work, but rather should be regarded as a new beginning.
“God has a plan for you; He has brought you to this moment of accomplishment for a reason, for a purpose,” said Fr. Fluet. “You are now called to burst upon the world with the tools that will allow you to make a real difference, a real change.”
He added, “I have seen tremendous goodness in this class, and in all the students of Mount Saint Mary College…This is the true beginning! This is a moment of grace. God bless you, God bless your wonderful parents, and families and friends who have precisely made a difference in your lives. God bless our faculty and staff. God now says to you that it is time, time to go out, and yes, change the world!”
Daniel J. Maughan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall and three-time Mount Saint Mary College alumni delivered the commencement address. Maughan praised the graduates for their ability to overcome unforeseen obstacles and urged them to continue to think critically as they being their careers.
“I hope you live your life’s passions fearlessly, take care of yourself, collaborate with others, and share your ideas as you strive for excellence,” Maughan said. “Think critically, connect the dots, and approach challenges with creativity and curiosity. Show empathy to yourself, and by meeting people where they are. Show gratitude and make a positive impact in the lives you encounter, I promise, it will ultimately make a positive impact in yours.”
