'The True Spirit of HCC'
"Look around at your fellow graduates this evening. You represent the true spirit of Holyoke Community College – people from all backgrounds with all sorts of life experiences with one thing in common: the passion and the determination to earn your college degree." – President George Timmons
President George Timmons offered the following remarks at HCC's first-ever Fall Graduate Reception on Nov. 29.
'Good evening and congratulations to all our graduates!
I am honored to be here celebrating each and every one of you and your outstanding accomplishments.
Look around at your fellow graduates this evening. You represent the true spirit of Holyoke Community College – people from all backgrounds with all sorts of life experiences with one thing in common: the passion and the determination to earn your college degree.
I see parents balancing childcare while pursuing their studies. I see students who are the first in their family to graduate college. I see professionals working towards a career change. And I see students working hard to prepare themselves to transfer to a four-year university.
Each of you made sacrifices to better your life and reach your potential. You spent long nights studying after tucking your children into bed. You wrote papers and studied for exams while juggling other priorities. You completed assignments after a long day of work. But through sheer commitment and resilience, here you stand today having completed your studies.
This is really just the beginning of your celebrations as a college graduate. I encourage you to attend our full commencement ceremony in June to experience that milestone with hundreds of your fellow graduates. Today, we honor your achievements in this reception because what you just achieved deserves immediate recognition. In June, we will come together again and formally welcome you as HCC alumni.
Your faculty and the entire HCC community could not be more proud of all that you have accomplished. And the same is true for your families – the parents, grandparents, spouses, children, friends and extended family members surrounding you today, beaming with pride.
So as I conclude my remarks, I invite you to join me by standing if you are able, and extending a round of applause to them, as well as to yourselves. Together, you fill this space with inspiration and possibility.
Congratulations!"
PHOTO: President George Timmons
