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Published on December 02, 2022
More than 1,000 Eastern students received their diplomas this past May during undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies. With more than 10,000 guests in attendance, Eastern filled the XL Center in Hartford, CT, on May 17 to celebrate the graduation of 958 undergraduate students. On May 14 in the Concert Hall of Eastern’s Fine Arts Instructional Center, a capacity crowd celebrated 84 graduate students at the Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony.
“The pride and joy emanating in this XL Center is exhilarating,” said commencement speaker Lena Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Community Renewal Team in Hartford. “From here I see a sea of happiness and anticipation!” Offering words of wisdom, she added, “Take every skill you have acquired throughout these four years, place them in your personal toolbox, and lead with confidence and courage, as you are prepared.”
President Elsa Núñez gave her charge to the graduates: “Tonight is a time for new beginnings. Each of you has a dream and talents you were born with. Your Eastern education has honed those talents and prepared you for the world ahead. Grasp your future with both hands. Be prepared to adjust your grip. Wake up each day committed to grow, to learn more, to make a difference in the world. Do all of this with a smile and the confidence that you can succeed.”
Karina Torres `22, senior class president
Tanisha Markland `22, graduate commencement speaker
Lena Rodriguez, commencement speaker
Denise Merrill, former secretary of the State of Connecticut
Senior Class President Karina Torres ’22 spoke to her peers in the XL Center: “The world is an unpredictable place and all I can say is take it day by day. It is up to each of us to be in charge of our journey. Find your voice. Use that voice in your next chapter to speak up for what you believe in. Let’s use our newfound voices to fight for what’s right and make the world a better place.”
Denise Merrill, former secretary of the State of Connecticut, spoke at the graduate commencement ceremony, telling graduates to dream big. “When someone asks you to do something, take the leap. Ask ‘why not me?’ Make the change you’ve been waiting for. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Don’t complain and not do anything about it. Build the world you want to see.”
To her graduate student peers in the Concert Hall, Tanisha Markland ’22 remarked on remaining steadfast throughout the pandemic. “My fellow graduates, we are here today because we faced our fears and persevered. … Along the journey, we faced adversities, yet we didn’t settle; we chose to forge ahead. The world is waiting for us to make a difference. Class of 2022, I implore you to go make a difference in somebody’s life.”
Written by Ed Osborn