Students recognized for academic achievement and perseverance
Beal College’s class of 2019 celebrated their graduation on May 5, with a commencement ceremony at Peakes Auditorium followed by a reception at Beal College
In attendance were college staff, faculty, students, and their families. Stacy George, a graduate of the Medical Assisting program, was Mistress of Ceremonies. Adam Prescott, also graduating with a Medical Assisting degree, was Class Marshal.
Opening remarks were offered by Beal President Sheryl DeWalt, and Leeann Cyr-Sinclair, along with Michelle Kimball, Beal’s nominee for the Maine College Access Network Achiever Spotlight Awards, gave farewell addresses.
Beal College Admissions Representative Tasha Sullivan gave the keynote address. In her remarks, she pointed out how the students were an inspiration.
In her address, Tasha shared examples of students overcoming challenges to achieve their goals and taking the initiative to help their peers. “We are inspired by the example you have set,” she said in the speech. “I am truly blessed, as is all of our Beal College family, to be a tiny piece of your journey.”
“We have such amazing stories here at Beal,” Tasha said in a later interview. “Our student body forms a bond that just happens organically. And we are so different than any other school I have ever worked for – we are more like family.”
Brandy Roy was recognized as class salutatorian. Two co-valedictorians were recognized: Jeff Gnade and Tracie Burrill.
Of special note, all Health Information graduates received honor cords, indicating that their GPA was above 3.4.
Following the commencement ceremony, the celebration continued with a reception at Beal College. According to Robin Tardiff, Career Services Directorat Beal, guests “were welcomed with a transformed Beal College Café and student lounge. A delicious spread of hors d’oeuvres was available and several instructors were on hand to meet the families and congratulate our graduates. It was a beautiful day!”
Robin also noted that students Orrinda Grindle, Medical Assisting, and Tiffany Black, Health Information Management, were on hand to help with the events.
Steve Villett, Chief Operating Officer at Beal, said the day was a huge success. He also expressed thanks to Robin Tardiff and Renee Dunton, Beal’s Director of Finance, for coordinating the events.