University celebrates record-breaking class at Graduate Commencement ceremony

Worcester State University honored the largest graduating class in its graduate school history on May 15, awarding 365 master’s degrees in education, nursing, speech language pathology, biotechnology, and other fields.

A total of 255 graduates walked the stage during the Thursday evening commencement and hooding ceremony in the Wellness Center, cheered on by hundreds of family, friends, faculty, and staff.

“No one’s journey looks the same, but we all worked tremendously hard to get here,” said class member Julienette Rivera in the keynote address. Rivera, who previously earned an undergraduate degree from Worcester State, received her master’s in speech language pathology.

Rivera’s address paid tribute to her mother and grandmother. Growing up, Rivera watched her mother—also a Worcester State undergraduate and graduate school alumna—“turn obstacles into stepping stones” as she pursued her goals.

“My mother faced a multitude of adversities as a Latina and teen mom,” Rivera said. “Today, standing here, I carry her resilience within me. I am her dream fulfilled—and her legacy continued.”

Noting that “in the field of speech language pathology, only 7% of professionals identify as Hispanic or Latino/a/x,” Rivera stressed the importance of representation.

And she urged fellow graduates to make mistakes and learn from experience rather than to strive for perfection. “I want to teach that to the next generations and my future patients and students,” Rivera said.

The ceremony also highlighted class member Eileen Montecalvo. At age 81, she is the oldest woman to earn a graduate degree from Worcester State. After a long and dedicated career in nursing, Montecalvo returned to school to pursue an online master’s in nursing education.

Roberta Kyle, associate vice president for continuing education and dean of graduate studies, praised Montecalvo as an example of lifelong learning, resilience, and service.

President Barry M. Maloney, in his remarks, reflected on Worcester State over its 150-year history. Founded as Worcester Normal School to prepare teachers in area schools, Worcester State evolved into a comprehensive liberal arts and science college and began to offer advanced degrees.

“Today, our university celebrates a record number of such degrees across a variety of disciplines,” Maloney said.

The university’s roots in teacher education remain deep. “It’s a safe bet that half of you already are or will be employed by a school district,” Maloney said to the graduates.

Maloney went on to recognize three women in Worcester State history–all teachers.

Arabella Hannah Tucker, a member of the first graduating class, taught in rural Massachusetts and returned to Worcester State as a faculty member. An advocate for women’s rights and a leader in local politics, she became the first woman ever to vote in Auburn, Massachusetts, in 1920.

Sarah Ella Wilson, one of the first Black women graduates, was a community leader and a longtime teacher at the Belmont Street School. After graduating from the Normal School in 1894, she helped lay the foundation for the women’s and civil rights movements in Worcester.

The late Elaine Tateronis, founding dean of the School of Education, Health, and Natural Sciences, earned a master of education from Worcester State in 1963. She served as a reading specialist in Worcester and Auburn schools before earning a doctorate and returning as a faculty member. Tateronis passed away this spring.

“As you continue on in life, remember these examples,” Maloney said. “In your classrooms, labs, nursing stations, cubicles, offices, and board rooms, bring your best selves to your work. And, in your communities, provide service. If in your lives, as in theirs, others begin to seek your leadership, be confident that you can provide it.”

At the start of the evening, class marshals Jeremy Bullock and Anne Marie Wall led the class into the gymnasium. Some graduates wore medallions recognizing the highest achievement in each degree program. Those who completed their master’s degrees entirely online wore blue and gold cords.

“For our graduate students, returning to school is often about finding a calling, understanding the need to go deeper into a field of study,” Kyle said. “Our students are not just looking to fill a vacancy in a LinkedIn ad. They have a profound dedication to the work.”

Rivera closed her remarks with a powerful message to her fellow graduates. “Now we carry the responsibility and opportunity to use our skills to make a difference,” she said. “Whether we change one life at a time, or whether we impact entire communities, every effort matters and is important to the people we serve.”

All photos by Mary Leufstedt