Rivier University honors accomplishments of 2020 graduates at 85th Commencement
On August 16, the University celebrated its 85th Commencement with an in-person ceremony.
See 85th Commencement ceremony photo gallery.
Rivier University celebrated its 85th Commencement on August 16, awarding 544 degrees to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree graduates. The event was held outside at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester.
“Last spring Rivier announced that we would honor the accomplishments of our graduates in person consistent with public health guidelines,” said Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM, Rivier’s President. “Today, it was our privilege to fulfill that commitment. While this ceremony looked different than any other, it conveyed the spirit of Rivier and acknowledged the tremendous work of our graduates, especially in these challenging times.”
Northeast Delta Dental Stadium staff in conjunction with Manchester Public Health managed all health and safety protocols for the event, including masking and physical distancing. The event was live-streamed on the University website.
Hope Cataldo ’20
Student speaker Hope Cataldo of North Haverhill, New Hampshire, earned her B.A. in Elementary Education, summa cum laude. She spoke with pride to the Class of 2020’s perseverance and resilience in the face of change. “We decided that our education was far more important than any strange or unusual predicament the world threw at us,” said Cataldo. “Our time at Rivier has proven that when there is adversity, there is also resilience, acceptance, love, and compassion. Rivier has transformed our hearts and minds to truly go out and serve the world.”
Adrianne Havlicek, ’96/’20G
Adrianne Havlicek of Litchfield, New Hampshire, a graduate of Rivier’s Class of 1996, earned her MBA in Management this year and spoke on behalf of graduate students. She addressed the journeys of adult learners—individual paths connected by academic challenge and marked determination. “The highlight of our journey has been achieved by all of us reaching our destination. This moment. This time. Right here. Right now. Sharing this last moment—one of our most incredible moments—together.”
The University will open for face-to-face instruction and a residential experience for students this fall, while supporting requests for remote learning accommodations as needed. In September, the University looks forward to celebrating the opening of its new, 35,000-square-foot Science and Innovation Center. The state-of-the-art facility enhances Rivier’s resources in STEM education and will advance collaborative research among students, faculty, and community partners.
Offering an education grounded in the liberal arts and Catholic tradition, the University prepares students for the 21st-century workforce and offers a unique promise of employment to undergraduate students. Rivier’s mission of transforming hearts and minds to serve the world is demonstrated through its academic programs in nursing, biology, public health, business, computer science, education, counseling, psychology, and more.
New for fall 2020, the University will offer an undergraduate major in health science and 4+1 Bachelor’s degrees in Cybersecurity Management and Mathematics paired with an M.S. in Computer Science.
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