More than 450 graduate from CCV

Graduates at CCV's 2022 commencement ceremony. Photos by Jade Premont

Vermont Business Magazine The Community College of Vermont (CCV) held its graduation ceremony Saturday at Norwich University’s Shapiro Field House.

More than 450 students received associate degrees. Students representing all 14 Vermont counties graduated, along with students from 14 states and 13 countries. The youngest graduate is 17 and the oldest is 69. Also among the graduates are 43 veteran and military-connected students.

Dr. Wanda Heading-Grant, inaugural vice provost for diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer at Carnegie Mellon University, delivered the keynote address. Dr. Heading-Grant also holds a faculty appointment as distinguished service professor in the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at CMU, and formerly served in senior leadership roles at the University of Vermont.

“What are you going to do with your Vermont education?” she asked graduates, after reflecting on her experience as a first-generation student at UVM and her career in higher education. “Think about the under-represented, think about the marginalized…don’t leave anyone behind. My hope is that you leave something good for all people and you use it as your jumping off point, or your continuing point, to be lifelong learners for the betterment of yourself and for all of us. You are equipped with the power to forge a new future.”

Keynote speaker Dr. Wanda Heading-Grant addresses the Class of 2022

CCV-Upper Valley graduate Kirsten Kersey was the student speaker for the Class of 2022. Joining the ceremony virtually, she congratulated her peers for their perseverance.

“I was humbled and encouraged by the resilience of my classmates. Not only have you all managed to complete your associate while balancing other life responsibilities, you managed to do so during a global pandemic,” she said. “CCV has prepared us for the next steps that we take in our lives…Some of you may be starting a new career or continuing your education at a four-year school. CCV has encouraged me to be a lifelong learner, and no matter where you all go next I hope you continue to seek new knowledge and new experiences.”

Governor Scott also addressed the Class of 2022, and encouraged graduates to use their CCV education to strengthen Vermont’s workforce.

“Whatever degree you’re receiving today, I hope you’ll use it right here in Vermont,” he said. “Because while getting that piece of paper today is gratifying, we’re really celebrating what you’ve already achieved, which is a great education, and the skills needed to walk right into a great job or move up the ladder in your current one.”

CCV President Joyce Judy officiated the event, celebrating the diversity of the Class of 2022.

“At CCV, we supported you not just as students, but as whole people, and today we celebrate the many unique characteristics that define you as individuals and as a community. The Class of 2022 is remarkably diverse, and at the same time you share many common experiences, accomplishments, and aspirations,” she said. “As you move on to new chapters, we trust that you will continue to call on your own unique qualities, as well as what you have learned here, to build stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive communities wherever you go.”

Several individuals were recognized during the ceremony for academic accomplishments, teaching excellence, and community service.

Diane Dalmasse, director of HireAbility Vermont (formerly VocRehab) received the Community Service Award for her commitment to helping Vermonters with disabilities access pathways to meaningful employment. Faculty members Allison Dean, Melanie Meyer, and Telly Halkias received the Teaching Excellence Awards.

CCV-Winooski graduate Iris Robert received this year’s Student Leadership Award. CCV-Montpelier graduate Nicole Dawson and CCV-Winooski graduate Jamila Iftin were awarded the 2022 Alumni Scholarships.

CCV is Vermont’s second-largest college, serving nearly 10,000 students each year. With 12 locations and extensive online learning options, our students don’t have to travel far from their communities to access our degree and certificate programs, workforce, secondary and continuing education opportunities, and academic and veterans support services.

6.4.2022. MONTPELIER, Vt.—The Community College of Vermont