With papers, exams, and late-night study sessions behind them, Bryant’s newest graduates look forward to making their mark on the world.
There was not a cloud in the sky on Saturday, May 16, as 808 members of the Class of 2009 did something they had been avoiding since arriving on campus. They walked through the Bryant Archway – for the first time – as part of Bryant’s 146th undergraduate Commencement ceremony. See a list of graduates.
Like many of his fellow graduates, Matt DeFeudis (West Boylston, MA) will never forget processing through Bryant’s most enduring symbol. “As I walked through the Archway, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride,” he said.
Cheering the graduates on as they marched through the Archway were faculty, staff, and administrators who spent the last four years sharing their journey.
“It meant so much to see them all there to support us through the end, still offering words of wisdom, smiles, and hugs,” said Kelly O’Connell (Whitman, MA).
‘You have excelled’
After filing into the spacious white tent filled with proud family, friends, and members of the Bryant community, the Class of 2009 settled into their seats to reflect upon their time at Bryant. The years included triumphs in and out of the classroom. Along the highlights: Many seniors scored above the national average on a standardized test in business; a record-breaking Relay for Life raised more than $82,000 for cancer research, and Bryant’s Chapter of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization captured two national titles.
“You have excelled in everything that you have done with style, grace, excellence, hard work, and great character,” said President Ronald K. Machtley.
President Ronald K. Machtley told the Class of 2009 they are ready to be the next leaders.
Despite the current state of the economy, Bryant’s newest graduates are getting a lesson worth learning, says Machtley, because the markets do not always go up. “We know that the economy will turn around, and you will be the great leaders of the future,” he says.
During the ceremony, Lawrence “Larry” Lucchino, president / CEO of the Boston Red Sox, gave the Commencement address and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Malcom G. “Kim” Chace, chairman of BankRI, received an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, and Gretchen Dow Simpson, renowned painter and owner of the Gretchen Dow Simpson Studio in Pawtucket, R.I., received a Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Brianna Mahan (Charlton, MA) gave the Student Charge. Read a recap of Lucchino and Mahan's speeches.
Also during the ceremony, Ryan Allen (Suffield, CT), who was a member of Bryant’s ROTC program, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army.
Getting out into the ‘real world’
Ryan Smith (North Providence, RI) is no stranger to being on stage thanks to his many theatrical performances with the Bryant Players. Still, he was excited and nervous as he gathered with his family for a pre-Commencement photo.
“All of my Bryant memories will be flashing before my eyes as I cross the stage,” predicted Smith, who will begin working this summer as an IT developer at Amica Insurance. “I love Bryant, but I also look forward to getting out into the ‘real world.’ ”
As he waited for the ceremony to begin, Del Gagnon (Presque Isle, ME) said it was hard to imagine his time at Bryant was coming to an end. He expected Commencement to be a surreal experience.
“I remember everyone saying the college years would go by fast,” he said. “They did!”
Members of the Class of 2009 were all smiles as they took part in Bryant's 146th undergraduate Commencement ceremony.
For Brian Ford (Tewksbury, MA), Commencement day was an opportunity to look back at the experiences that had a profound effect on him throughout his time at Bryant. He recalled his first official activity as a Bryant student – Orientation. As he sat there watching the Orientation Leaders energize the crowd with a dance routine, Ford’s mother told him that she could envision him in that role some day. At the time he laughed, but about two years later he helped lead the cheers to welcome Bryant’s newest students.
Ford was also active in Special Olympics, Relay for Life, and the Student Senate, all of which fueled his desire to help people. This summer, he will begin working for the Rhode Island chapter of the American Cancer Society.
Ultimately, he says, it was the people who made the experience memorable. “Bryant gave me the opportunity to meet groups of people so exciting, intriguing, and diverse that I cannot picture my life without them,” he says. “I will miss everyone, but I know they will stay with me because of what they taught me.”
Bryant alumni forever
Gergely “Nemo” Nemeth (Balatonfured, Hungary) counts graduating from Bryant as his greatest accomplishment so far. If the last four years are any indication, many future achievements await him. The Honors Program member was active on campus as an Orientation Leader and participated on teams that competed in the Fed Cup Challenge and the B-School Beanpot Business Case Competition. Nemeth will begin a Master’s program in environmental economics at Duke University this fall.
Steven Branch (Montclair, NJ) was one of 21 seniors on the football team who helped lead Bryant to a pair of Northeast-10 conference titles and consecutive NCAA playoff appearances, paving the way for their first season in Division I.
“We shared graduation and enjoyed our last days at Bryant the same way we survived our first college football camp – together,” says Branch, who is enrolled in Bryant’s Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc) program.
Fours years of hard work was rewarded on Commencement Day.
“I know that Bryant has prepared me for any future challenges that I will face,” he says.
Kristen Collins Huntington Station, NY), who was named the Recent Alumni Trustee, said she felt a mix of emotions as she crossed the stage. “While I was proud to be a Bryant graduate, I couldn’t help but be nostalgic about leaving what has been my second home and family for the past four years,” said Collins, who will begin her career as assistant director of admission at Adelphi University in June. “Bryant will forever be an important part of my life.”
Despite the fact that their time as students has come to an end, members of the Class of 2009 look forward to staying involved with their alma mater. Echoing the thoughts of many of his classmates, Brian Robinson (Poland Spring, ME) added, “I was a student for only four years, but I’ll be a Bryant alum forever.”
