Worcester State University honors grads Saturday at commencement in DCU Center

WORCESTER - They had unique challenges including studying while a pandemic raged, but over 1,000 Worcester State University students celebrated receiving their degrees during graduation ceremonies Saturday at the DCU Center.

"The fact that you are here shows you have made it," said Gracia Kitenge, who gave the senior class address.

The commencement speaker, behavioral scientist, researcher, author, comedian and WSU alumna Kristen Lee told the soon-to-be graduates "You’ve maneuvered great complexity to be here. You’ve survived your academic years in the 'Age of Anxiety,' when loneliness is being called the 'new smoking.' "

Worcester State University conferred 1,026 baccalaureate degrees at its 147th undergraduate commencement ceremony. Those receiving degrees included students who had officially graduated earlier in August and December 2022, as well as those graduating Saturday. A packed DCU Center of family and friends rose to its feet and cheered and applauded as the graduating class entered the arena in a procession to the traditional graduation music of Sir Edward Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance." Cellphone cameras whirled and clicked.

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WSU President Barry M. Maloney noted that the class of 2023 came from near and far.

He asked the class to consider the following questions: "Where are you from? What are your values? and Who has been there for you and what have you learned from them? As one of the greatest novelists and poets of our time, Maya Angelou, has said, 'If you don't know where you've come from, you don't know where you're going.' "

Maloney urged them "to take pride in who you are" and shared some stories.

Elias Nelson, who on Saturday received a degree in business administration, grew up in Spencer and lived at home while commuting to Worcester State, Maloney said. Nelson became president of the LGBTQ+ Alliance, had a marketing internship at Charles River Analytics and was one of the class marshals at the graduation. He plans to stick around looking for work in digital marketing within Massachusetts, Maloney said.

Meanwhile, Kitenge came to this country in 2018 from the Democratic Republic of Congo. She graduated Saturday with a major in computer science and a concentration in big data analysis. Maloney said that English is Kitenge's fifth fluent language and she is graduating cum laude.

"When I arrived in the U.S. I was a very shy person who didn't want to get involved at all, and for a lot of reasons," Kitenge told her fellow graduates. "However, the thing that got me to change my mind from not wanting to do anything to actually becoming a student involved was COVID ... After restrictions were lifted it made me think about life in general and made me realize that every day is worth living for because you don't know what can happen in the next day, hour or even minute," she said.

In her junior and senior years her activities at Worcester State included being an orientation leader, a resident assistant, a Worcester State Health Ambassador, the vice president and then president of the French Club, and Presidential Student Ambassador. "So my message to you today is to believe in yourself and to go for what you love. Be determined to work hard for that dream of yours and make it become a reality. We are here today, entering a new chapter in our lives ... Just remember, you have all the capabilities, capacities and tools you need to become the person you want. Worcester State has prepared us for this next step - remember, determination is the key, and discipline is the fuel, and hard work is the engine," she said.

WSU alumna and author Lee speaks

Lee, who graduated from Worcester State in 1996, is an award-winning author who writes and advocates for policy change in mental health. She leads the behavioral science program at Northeastern University and is the host of "Crackin’ Up: Where Therapy Meets Comedy," which has been presented at the Lyric Stage Company in Boston.

"You’ve been asked to get back to 'normal' while going through a pandemic, sociopolitical polarization and significant trauma. And the horrors of systemic violence, injustice, and -isms perpetrated against BIPOC and LGBTQ communities," she told the Worcester State class of 2023.

"You and your families have a story as we celebrate your courage and resilience today."

Lee shared the "three words that changed my life at Worcester State." They also "brought me to service on the front lines of the campus and global mental health crises, and the lessons this work has taught me."

The three words "came from Anne, my A+P professor when I was a first-generation undergraduate at Worcester State ... She’d stopped me after class to ask: 'Are you OK?' "

Lee said ,"I doubt Anne knew those three simple words would set the stage for my life’s work." She told the graduating class, "Throughout your time at Worcester State, you’ve had your own Annes - family, friends, teachers, advisers, who’ve taken time to show they care."

In the short time she had to speak to them, Lee told the graduating class a few "highlights" from lessons learned in her professional career. They included the observation that "the old-school framing of stigmatized 'mental health condition' needs to shift to 'human condition,' ” she said.

Also, "ask yourself and those around you ,'Are you OK?,' even if it’s awkward ... Your mental health is everything. It’s more important than letters after your name, likes on your feed, money in the bank, than Teslas or red-bottom shoes, or what people think about you. There’s no health, or success, without mental health. Protect it at all costs," she said.

Lee was conferred an honorary doctorate degree.

Also receiving honorary doctorate degrees were Ann (Ash) Zelesky and basketball legend Bob Cousy.

Zelesky is a 1973 graduate of Worcester State University graduate and has been active in Central Massachusetts athletics as an athlete, coach, athletic administrator and mentor and friend.

Cousy starred in basketball for the College of the Holy Cross and Boston Celtics and was later a broadcaster. He was unable to be at the DCU Center in person on Saturday. Instead, a video was played of Cousy receiving his honorary degree at his home.

Cousy told those watching, in reference to his statue, which stands outside the DCU Center, "I'm the half-naked statue that waved at you from the outer lobby coming in." He had one request for the graduating class as they pass by his statue again: "Wipe the pigeon poop off my nose, please." He wished the graduates well and, to cheers and applause, said, "Thank you for allowing an old jock to play a small role."

Area graduates of Worcester State

Bachelor of Arts

Ashburnham: Tyler P. Eddy

Auburn: Steven J. Marshall, Colin M. Plante (M), Christopher A. Rumbaugh, Sarah J. Vincent (S), Alexander P. Whitney, Aleksandra Wolf (M)

Berlin: Savanna C. Russell

Brookfield: Evan T. Couture

Charlton: Deven E. Chaffee, Kayleigh M. Irish (S), Chace J. Pettinelli, Kassidy T. Robertson

Cherry Valley: Veda M. Bleau

Douglas: Garrett W. Grann, Santina M. MacGregor (S), Ian J. Murphy, Ethan C. Whitney

Fitchburg: Whitney S. Bailey, Sean P. Doyle

Grafton: Margaret T. Sheehan (S)

Holden: Lily M. Clemente (C), Jessica N. Darling, Anthony J. Drapos (S), Jacob M. Gomes, Dominic C. Lapomardo (S), Faith O. Potts (C), Colin P. Shea

Hopedale: Benjamin D. Coulombe (C), Anita L. Faath (M)

Hudson: Jailyn M. Bratica (S), Ian McIntyre (M)

Lancaster: Taylor A. Tambolleo

Leicester: Jillian A. Dube, Jaymi-Lyn Souza (M)

Leominster: Kristen T. Leblanc, Samantha M. Sicard, Christopher J. Wright (M)

Lunenburg: Julie A. Erickson (C)

Marlborough: Samson M. Abdal-Khabir, Ashley M. LeConti

Milford: Anthony L. Ustinovich

Millbury: Matthew M. Fiore

Millville: Jenna R. Glode (C)

Northbridge: Alexandria M. Brown, Connor M. Loando, Aubrey J. Plante

Oxford: Christopher A. DeJesus

Princeton: Jennifer B. Caswell, Sarah A. Nyakako

Rochdale: Selena M. Sheldon, Justin P. Turgeon (M)

Rutland: Kyle A. Lindberg (M), Abigail L. Mayer, Griffin E. Weber (S)

Shrewsbury: Evan J. Harnois, Holly J. Van Wie (M)

Southbridge: Alexander Ortiz

Spencer: Alexandria J. Hensel-Courtney (M)

Sterling: Caitlyn M. Ferrecchia (S)

Sutton: Ethan J. Gerr

Uxbridge: Ethan J. Borjeson-Troupe

Webster: Evan R. Maniatis, Eric L. Vazquez

West Boylston: Michael V. Hathaway

Westminster: Alana X. Barrett (S)

Winchendon: Felipe V. Rodriguez (S)

Worcester: Scarlette Alvarado, Liam A. Carmody, Cole P. Degnan, Matthew P. Dumphy, Sana M. Elhussein (M), Caroline R. Ford, Logan F. Hampsey, Nina Hong, Maria Jano, Michael Letendre (C), Kathryn M. McNamara, Christina Mendez (C), Tomas A. Montenegro (C), Calei L. Nocivelli, Nicholas S. Pennucci, Mikael Reyes, Donald D. St. Pierre, Kenny H. Tran, Wanjiru Waweru, Wazeema Zahra

Bachelor of Science

Ashburnham: Nia J. Smith (C)

Auburn: Alexa K. Adams (M), Casey M. Baron (M), Leo J. Boisvert, Bright K. Bremang (M), Sarah A. Cronin, Molly E. Cutting, Maggie R. Grogan (C), Wah Y. Htoo (C), John D. Hurley, Shea Jarvis, Rachael K. Johnson, Benjamin J. Rackett (C), William J. Ritacco (C), Ricardo Rodrigues, Emily A. Saucier, Kiana Torres, Andre Zink (M)

Baldwinville: Julie A. Ehnstrom (C)

Berlin: Nicholas J. Dalaklis, Meaghan P. O'Day

Blackstone: Rachel J. Doiron, Kayla M. Isaac, Andre M. Jarret (C), Brianna M. Morin, Antonia E. Spellman, Sarah J. Walsh

Bolton: Isabella J. DeMartino

Boylston: Emily C. Fletcher (C), Kayla L. Kemp (C), Maria S. Oliveri, Ariel R. Sloan (S), Hafsa Waqar (M)

Brimfield: Kayla C. Archambault (C)

Brookfield: Jessica D. Ashleigh, AlyssaBeth J. Heller, Jade E. Menard (S)

Charlton: Jenna M. Beahn, Samuel K. Gaudette (C), Charles Hill, Zachary M. Hill (M), Barbara N. Kuria, Sabrina M. Lomax (M), Paige A. Marino (C), Jonah J. Messier (M), Casey E. Mullaly (C), Jennifer Reynolds, Kathryn E. Ryan (M), Julia E. Terlizzi

Charlton City: Kayla J. Fitzpatrick (C)

Cherry Valley: Luiggi J. Campoverde, Jose L. Cruz, Megan Gaucher, Elise M. Leveillee (S), Augustina A. Wilson

Clinton: Lauren Bernard (M), Ryan C. Costa (M), Thomas C. Freeman, Erick F. Gonzalez, Owen M. Grady, William M. Latimer, Anastasia E. Nash, Somtobechukwu B. Ojoko, Samantha L. Price (M), Ian O. Schade, Olivia R. Wright

Douglas: Delilah M. Boucher, Sara A. Finnegan (C), Nicolle E. Forget, Britney M. Handrigan, Hanna R. Kearney (M), Ryan J. Klenk (M), Kyrstan C. Lamphere, Gabrielle J. Muscatell, Hailey K. Skowronski (C), Erin S. Theroux (M), Rebekka L. White (M)

Dudley: Robin Awad, Greter Barcelo, Bailey T. Bowes (C), Vanessa Corriveau (S), Olivia V. Laws, Allison R. Marrier (M), Kailyn J. Murphy (C), Camryn M. Ozolins (M), Danele Pierce, Natasha M. Taft, Helen M. Vincent

East Brookfield: Toni-Anne McLean-Rowe, Ashley E. Paine, Brooke E. Shea, Hannah E. Tziachris

Fiskdale: Emily E. Reyes, Mala L. Santiago

Fitchburg: Ailene J. Alcantara, Zachary A. Bilodeau, Tamu Brobbey (M), Judyth Laporte (S), Natalie E. Manzueta, Colin P. Moore, Kelvin D. Nina, Desiree L. Richard, Aleigha A. Rivard (M), Julienette J. Rivera (S), Maddisen C. Scott

Gardner: Rebecca L. Lashua (M), Jacob N. Palmer

Grafton: Gabrielle R. Decosta (M), Charles W. Fasold (C), Emma R. Pelser (M), Bailey R. Shepard (C), Noah D. Taymouri, Lauren M. Wareham

Harvard: Chloe D. Cushing (M)

Holden: Arianna M. Amoroso, Lydia N. Annunziata, Rylie K. Butman (M), Grace C. Campbell, Nick O. Cassella (C), Hannah M. Francese, Ryan J. Gallagher, Timothy D. Gauthier (C), Gillian J. Glasier, Isabelle A. Jordan (M), Brooke A. Kazanovicz (C), Isabella M. Kemble (M), Cady B. Lamb (C), Cameron B. Lamburn, Greta M. O'Brien, Courtney R. Pope, Mia G. Proulx, Paige M. Rosseland (C), Jaelynn M. Ver Ploeg (M)

Hopedale: Kyle J. Hupe

Hubbardston: Hannah R. Allain (M), Johannah P. Herzig, Kya N. Perez

Hudson: Joseph D. Barry, Amanda M. Figueiredo, Christopher Hipson, Jaylene M. Hurley, Taylor V. Solimine, Alyssa J. Thibeault

Jefferson: Stephen Dozois, Joelle G. Stefano (S)

Lancaster: Cassandra G. Allen, Aram M. Alsuhairi, Jacob D. Von Linden (M), Brian F. Yentz

Leicester: Spencer P. Annis, Lauren E. Carlsen, Anthony M. Goodney, Eva M. Kocia (M), Logan J. Laflamme (C), Charles G. Larson (C), Andrew H. Le (C), Alex M. McCormack, Evgenia Psarras (M), Alyssa M. Pupillo, Madison F. Seroter (C), Matthew S. Splaine, Annette K. Tran

Leominster: Merlyne C. Aaron, Cynthia R. Albert, Michael A. Bail, Maxwell S. Bigelow, Alicia M. Ferschke, Emily R. Ford, Gabriella I. Frederick, Elma I. Garcia (M), Katie M. Grimley (M), Anthony M. Harris, Rafaela O. Lopes, Jack S. Mammone, Mykayla M. O'Sullivan, Mackenzie M. Osborn (M), Rebecca A. Osterfield, Alexa R. Ricker, Riley M. Sanderson, Sarah T. Semerzier, Meryl R. Warpula (C)

Lunenburg: Sarah E. Blomgren (C), Quinn C. Bradley (M), Julia A. Colecchi, Jenna E. Duval (M), Madison R. Sullender (M), Jessica M. Tolf (S)

Marlborough: Kathleen C. Desko (S), Paula Gontijo-Souza, Ethan J. Kirsch, Kimberly-Ann Lang (C), Caroline O. Moreira, Rachel E. O'Connell, Casandra Pierre, Yetzi Villegas Bautista (M)

Mendon: Gabriel J. Lenart, Jessica L. McKenzie

Milford: Moma Fombore Achu Rex, Camila V. Alvarenga (C), Erin R. Bethel (M), Elizabeth G. Parry, Savanna H. Rosado, Jenna K. Solimine, Kallie E. Tavano (C), Rodrigo A. Vieira

Millbury: Alyssa L. Alin, Ashley M. Briddon, Mason J. Broyles, Jaresa J. Burgos (C), Ashley G. Crossman, Sarah A. Crossman (C), Gurmitt S. Dhalliwal, Juliana E. Dick (C), Jennifer R. LaHair, Michael P. Morley (M), Noah P. Peterson (C), Gianna K. Vincequere, Miranda Williams

North Brookfield: Jessica B. Chilton, Kari M. Mickunas (M)

North Grafton: Stormy S. Bailey, Brian A. Barthelmes, Jr. (S), Taylor D. Gerrie, Katelin Murphy

North Grosvenordale, CT: Jaylyn D. Armstrong (C), Natalie G. Benton

North Oxford: Sarah K. Cohen, Mackenzie R. Hebert, Susan L. Vigeant (M)

Northborough: Gabriella C. Alberghini (M), Naraylee Baez, Ali H. Elsayyad, Jessica G. Giron (M), Katie M. Giron (C), Syed Minhal Raza

Northbridge: Andrew J. Cleary (C), Joshua A. Fung-A-Fat

Oakham: Caitlin D. Dellert (S), Avery R. Oldakowski (M), Kyra N. Prouty, Kelsey R. Wicker

Orange: Abby C. Bonk, Omar A. Laza (M), Alyssa M. Rousseau, Kaitlyn N. Susen

Oxford: Eleni Baraklilis (C), Timothy R. Bordeaux, Julia M. Carrier (C), Thomas C. Clifford, Susan V. Connelly-Rose, Kayla N. Davis, Michael A. DeGaetano, Stephanie S. Dutting, Nicole A. Feige, Katelyn M. Gillespie, Aliya G. Guillotte, Ian R. Inangelo, Ava R. Krantz, Kalyn M. Lavallee, Emily R. Maynard, Sarah R. Perreault, Emalee A. Rebello, Heather M. Thomas, Brittany A. Winsky (C)

Palmer: Ashelyn M. Granger (M), Cassidy T. Lefferts

Paxton: Angela J. Caiani, Ciara M. Cargiulo (S), Katelyn M. Cormier (M), Erin K. Doud (C), Alyssa R. Johansson (M), Christopher J. Parsons, Alexa J. Pillsbury (M), Hannah M. Powers, Alison M. Roy, Melke G. Shabo (C), Sarah L. Stewart (M), Emily N. Trombley

Petersham: Devin P. Lyden

Pomfret Center, CT: Madison R. Brennan, Mikayla D. Wilcox (M)

Putnam, CT: Jane Vongvirath (M)

Rochdale: Tracy A. Fortin (C), Kiara Valdes (M)

Royalston: Abigail M. Roberts (C)

Rutland: Anthony J. Bordenca, Emilee I. DerKazarian, Timothy R. Dowd, Aman M. Johnson, Destiny A. Keough (C), Dylan Smith, Julia G. Watson

Shirley: Olivia W. Schleyer (C)

Shrewsbury: Zubaer A. Aleem, Rida F. Amroze (S), Kwaku Asare, Nicholas G. Barrett, Alec J. Buduo, McKenna M. Carroll (M), Maxwell W. Chapin (M), Julia K. Collins, Queenasia A. Cooley, Zakery Dabbagh (S), Ryan M. Feltman, Makenzie N. Flanagan, Makayla J. Frantz (S), Abdulrazak I. Frederick, Giselle O. Gentile, Holly M. Gibbons (M), Emily K. Griffin, Erica B. Hanlon (M), Jaclyn S. Holovnia, Justin R. Jordan, Hamza A. Khan (S), Emma G. Koopman, Amanda M. Lo (S), Caitryn M. Murphy, Victoria A. Pescaro (M), Henna I. Qureshi, Jesse D. Rogers, Saniya Sayed (S), Taylor M. Swenson

South Grafton: Sara M. Hanna, Tanner W. Jelovcich, Tyler R. LaComfora (S), Madison A. Nault

Southborough: Sarah E. Phaneuf

Southbridge: Aaron W. Berry, Lissette Y. Diaz, Gerardo M. Gomez, Natasha Hernandez, Roxana M. Hernandez, Dawnmarie Jones, Michael T. Payne (M), Daishaniese L. Rivera, William D. Watkins

Spencer: Regan E. Arraje, Shelby F. Brooks, Isabella Gathoni, Ethan L. Goodreau, Collin J. Hines, Kristina A. Leland (M), Bradley Montanez, Kayla A. Morrison (M), Margaret E. Mullaney (S), Elias F. Nelson (C), Johnny C. Nguyen (M), Carlos Reyes, Morgan E. Stowe, Logan J. White

Sterling: Hasan Alshaikhli, Tess A. Bump, Anthony M. Crisci (C), Elizabeth A. Desmarais, Alina L. Dziokonski, Timothy J. Flanagan, Justin M. Harris (C), Ryan S. Pichierri, Jessica S. Potenza (M), Robert J. Tomczyk, Neill R. Toohey (C), Kyle J. Wall

Sturbridge: Alexis M. Cadoret, Christopher W. Couture, Jane B. Ghosn, Tyler N. Judice, Malorie N. Kenneway (M), Tyler B. Mills (C)

Sutton: Ayla M. Allard (C), Lily G. Brooks (C), Catherine R. Forde, Andrew M. Gerr, Lily Lavender-Hoge, Emily M. Milaszewski (M), Abigail J. Ostrowski (C), Anthony A. Pecci, Emily J. Perry, Holland A. Redding (M), Natalia O. Romeo, Sarah E. Stafinski

Templeton: Julia R. Henshaw

Tewksbury: Patrick T. Carleton, Caitlin M. Conneely (S), Elizabeth B. Gallella (M), Erin B. Gallella (M), Grace K. Higgins (S), Andrew J. MacLean, Lauren D. McIntyre (C), Haley R. Mignon (C), Jessica M. Potito, Christine M. Santos, Silvia G. Sordillo (M)

Upton: Brynn E. Mitchell, Erin O. Murphy (M), Lauren R. Pelland, Nishi Rapur

Uxbridge: Sery M. Auguste, Amanda F. Brodeur (C), Joel N. Buabeng, Dierdra H. Cahill, Matthew R. Johnston, Rebecca M. Lauze, Jade S. Letendre (M), Russell S. Wise (M)

Ware: Julia R. DiMarzio (C), Samantha A. Montalban, Arianna M. Palano (C)

Warren: Hannah N. D'Angelo (C), Carly M. Duff

Webster: Cody P. Adams (C), Julianne D. Bazinet (C), Emma T. Bonneau (M), Ahnnesa A. Delille, Katelyn I. Ditullio, Karissa G. Lugo, Troy R. Morin, Danilo D. Nunes (M), Arhum R. Rizvi, Felicity P. Robillard (C), Jacqueline L. Sperling, Evangelia Vlachou (M)

West Boylston: George P. Chyoghly, Stephan M. Duellberg, Michael C. Houck, Bridget E. Maunsell, Jessica A. Pohl, Madison E. Stankus (C), John M. Suraci

Westborough: Ariana R. Desautels, Adnan M. Naseer

Westminster: Jamie A. Curtis, Taylor B. Gilbert (S), Rachel K. Sinclair

Whitinsville: Sarah M. Barron, Elizabeth R. Bisaillon (M), Adam J. Briand (M), Zenaida R. Bufford, Faith E. Crothers, Courtney L. Delaney (C), Meghan Dowd, Emily D. Heldenbergh, Madison A. Malone (C), Jennifer J. McLaughlin (C), Christopher J. Pierce, Melody G. Powers, Michael A. Santurri (M), Emma M. Senosk

Winchendon: Phebe A. Shippy (C)

Worcester: Muna Y. Abdulkhader (M), Matthew J. Abraham, Annabella M. Alex (M), Aamer H. Alkuheli, Charles A. Allison, Jacob Almodovar, Lionel Alvarado, Katelyn E. Alves (C), Bertha G. Amoako, Maame Pomaah A. Amoakohene, Owusu Asamoah (C), Elizabeth Azizian, Saint John N. Baddoo, John Baklli (M), Jake T. Barry (M), Junghyo M. Batino, Hafsa Batool, Jennifer A. Beam, Megan J. Belica (M), Haru Bellwood, Marel Beqo, Jasmine J. Bitar, Brianna A. Blais, Martha D. Boiquaye, Gabrielle A. Bolivar, Elijah J Bouthiller (S), Crystal Bradshaw, Mariah L. Bryant, Kenny Bui, Yerlin Calderon De Linares, Gianny D. Cardenas, Hannah S. Carmody (C), Dahwal Charles, Hien T. Chau (M), Angelica M. Chavez, Angus T. Cheng (M), Daniel P. Clark

(S), Michael A. Crocker, Samira Darwishi, Abhijit Das (C), Joelina M. De la Cruz Gil, Joao V. Decarvalho (M), Natalie E. Demers, Jewel Dennis, Kelli A. DiMauro, Isabella S. Diaz, Andrew S. Donabedian, Samuel Duah, Waleed Eldam, Bryan M. Escobar (S), Priscilla A. Esson Baidoo, Cooper T. Fowler, Erin G. Gaffney (C), Rochelle Gallant (M), Brittany Gerber, Allison K. Gilfoy, Andolina Gjata, Timur E. Golden, Matthew R. Gonzalez, Yamile A. Gonzalez, Diana K. Gordon, Amari M. Greggs (C), Aiden J. Gruszka (S), Niko Q. Guzman-Jerry, Abigail J. Hainsworth, Scott R. Handley, John Himmelberger (S), Michaela R. Hippert (S), Bryant Huang, Aleah B. Huard, Theresa N. Hughes, Brandon Huu, Fatima M. Ismail, William A. Jacobson (C), Amy Jano (C), Andy P. Johnson, Anna P. Johnson (C), Candy Johnson, Jesenia D. Johnson, Aryent Kajtazi, Evangelia V. Karamboulas (C), Sovibol Keo, Jenny Kha, William K. Kibe, Caitlin C. Kincaid (M), Kodjo Kiniglo (C), Gracia K. Kitenge (C), Raissa O. Kitenge (C), Moses Laguerre, Andrew T. Lam, Jackson T. Lam (M), Anesti Lara (C), Henry Le (M), Tu Quyen Le (S), Keriann N. LeBlanc (C), Amber N. Lee, Michael Leon, Jennifer A. Lima, Leslie A. Llanos, Olivia M. Long, Jaylin M. Lopez, Jenny Luong (M), Minh-Thi N. Luong (C), Caroline N. Macharia, Alexis Madrid, Samuel W. Magee, Lauren R. Mahoney, Christine L. Mai, Angel S. Malave (M), Wiktoria P. Mankowska, Nareg Manoukian, Jason M. Marques, Jocelyn C. Marshall, Mariana I. Martinez, Makayla M. Mason (C), Reynaldo J. Masso, Ejide Mbarushimana, Eric J. Merriam, Kyle D. Miranda, Mausam Mishra (C), Huda A. Mohammed, Tanairy G. Mulero, Xhuljana Murati, Amanda M. Murphy, Paige S. Murphy, Alyssa M. Naoum, Sahar S. Nashoor, Namrha Nasir, Clariese Natal (M), Exploit K. Ndaie (C), Cristian G. Negron-Rivera (M), Cynthia T. Nguyen, Luong N. Nguyen (M), Scott B. Nguyen (C), Thuy N. Nguyen, Elvis T. Njoki (C), Eugene Nsafoah, Eugenia Nsafoah, Princess Nuah, Alisa H. Olivia, Joanelys M. Pabon, Ariana P. Page, Anjeza Palla, Ashley M. Parker (C), Meet S. Patel, Ericson Paulino, Derek A. Perry, Tina L. Peters, Connor P. Phelan, Alexandra M. Pizarro, Nathaniel V. Pizarro, Janny Pojani (C), Rei Pojani, Samira Polanco-Paulino, Fjoralba Prenci, Princess M. Quansah (C), Jenna M. Raleigh, Stephanie M. Ramirez, Adonis Ramirez-Matos, Shelby R. Reaugh, Sean K. Reilly, Andrew A. Rivers, Dariel Rodriguez, Josue Rodriguez, Grace F. Romero Rey (M), Xhulia Sadiku, Haley D. Samara (C), Lesly Santander, Amberly B. Santiago, Zunera Sarwar, Rina Segawa, Samantha A. Selvitelli, Kristine M. Shaw, Ferdinand Sherali, Kristi Shore, Gianna S. Simone, Katrina L Simone, Molly E. Sjoberg, Kevin Skilja, Matthew R. Sliwoski, Nicholas G. Soter (M), Emily C. Spafford, Emi Suzuki (M), Uendi Tahiraj, Priscila E. Talavera (C), Hoang K. Tang, Eugene Teah, Iris N. Thompson Fernandez, Dylan M. Thompson, Tori E. Thorne, Jennifer L. Tran, Lenny L. Tran (C), Sarah K. Tran (S), Kyaralyn T. Valerio, Sofia Vallejo, Lourdes M. Vargas-Luna, Emmanuell W. Vera, Itati V. Vera, Rebecca L. Vessella (C), Thai Vu, Jennifer A. Wallace, Paulina Wasik, Matthew S. Weatherbee (C), Griffin A. Wesson, Kathleen J. White, Al-Madinah Xhemalallari (S), Enela Yskollari

Education Specialist

Barre: Jordan H. Newcomb

Dudley: Jessica N. Moore

Holden: Emma M. Duffy, Mary Ellen Klein

Marlborough: Daisy Moreno

North Brookfield: Samantha J. Lovely, Jillian K. Madden

Worcester: Gissell M. Hernandez, Jessica L. Murgo

Master of Arts

Barre: Michael W. Marcinowski

Leominster: Zachary J. Bissonnette

Shrewsbury: Luke C. Cai, Bernado Llorente

Webster: Daniel E. Bengtson, Sarah E. Paquette

Worcester: Melissa A. Dearden, Ellen R. Jewart

Master of Education

Auburn: Hannah Ducharme, James B. Hamilton, Kathryn A. Shrauger, Brianna L. Stomski

Barre: Matthew C. Hager, Molly R. Sczucka

Boylston: Keith F. Wolosz

Charlton: Marie E. Hutchens, Lynn A. Locantore

Cherry Valley: Neil A. Dziemian

Dudley: Julie A. Remillard, Catherine A. Wielock

East Brookfield: Justin J. Valley

East Douglas: Rachel E. Lemire

Gardner: Mishele Badia, Hannah C. Sloan

Grafton: Kristopher L. LaCroix, Jacquelyn R. Thompson

Hardwick: Elizabeth M. Motyka

Holden: Daniel W. Anderson, Stefanie A. Creagh, Crystal A. Henderson, Emily Lizano, Katie L. Mossetty, Jessica Paldino

Hopedale: Annie D. Raposa

Hudson: Maria I Almada, Molly K. Maguire-Conti

Leominster: Sarah W. Fontaine, Camille Grace-Kunakey, Matthew E. Wheeler

Milford: Loren Blanchard

Millbury: Rebecca J. Desjardins, Emmanuel C. Lokko, Rhea V. Vyas

North Brookfield: Nicole B. Evanski

North Grafton: Paul D. Gabrenas, Lisa M. Gatsogiannis, Jacqueline G. Lawson, James T. Tredeau

Northborough: Sarah A. Royce

Northbridge: Alicia E. Thomas

Paxton: Lauren L. Clapp, Justin L. Newton, Sara E. Root-Simone

Rutland: Jessica M. Joyce

Shirley: Michael R. Carta

Shrewsbury: Kaitlyn R. Hester, Julia E. Lazarek, Timothy T. Tetreault, Elise A. Ward

Southborough: Allison M. Wrin

Southbridge: Allyson K. Bodwell, Daniel D. Makela

Sutton: Teresa Distefano

Tewksbury: Jessica Lehmann

Uxbridge: Jeffrey A. Blake

Webster: Alyssa S. Bonin

West Boylston: Vanessa A. Sontag

West Warren: Shannon M. O'Leary

Westborough: Julie A. Watson

Whitinsville: Katherine E. Cardone, Molly V. O'Brien

Worcester: Vanessa D. Acheampong, Melissa L. Ayantola, Jamie L Burden, Yaribel Campos, Maria C. Ciavola, Gabrielle M. Daniels, Kristin Marie Delannoy, Patricia A. Donovan, Alexa C. Foley, Danielle A. Frisch, Gemma L. Goranson, Megan E. Griffin, Allyson L. Houlihan, Lynda J. Lareau Adjonyoh, Peter Leblanc, Erika M. Lesage, Sean James Marshall, Joseph W. Moriarty, Maurice Newman, Thi Ai Minh Tran

Master of Occupational Therapy

Auburn: Deanna A. Dalli

Barre: Simone R. Dufresne

Clinton: Madison M. Cuozzi

Holden: Alivia K. Burns

Leominster: Lauren M. Fleming

Northborough: Caroline J. Leonard

Winchendon: Victoria M. Lemire

Worcester: Kelly Smith

Master of Public Admin & Polic

Fitchburg: Victoria B. Porteiro-Cejas

Master of Science

Auburn: Monika Mularski

Barre: Dulce R. Rodriguez

Charlton: Angela M. Kaperonis

Douglas: Jessica A. Prophet

Dudley: Amanda M. Davies, Ashley R. Meschke, Catherine B. Omenge

East Brookfield: Tiffany L. Hexter

Fitchburg: Caroline A. Collins

Grafton: Kristen A. Cummings, Alexis J. Hall

Holden: Jeremy R. Lowell, Debra J. Vescera, RN

Jefferson: Emily A. Gardner, Michaela J. Scott

Leominster: Jared C. Merritt

Marlborough: Nicole Batista, Michelle Chiacchio, Vrushali N. Patel

Milford: Hailee M. Gelinas

Millville: Jenna A. Eddy

Northbridge: Lauren N. Costedio

Oakham: Alysia M. Tashjian

Oxford: Leah N. Gangai

Paxton: Danielle Breault

Princeton: Erin J. Toohey

Shrewsbury: Eric J. Nerkowski

Sutton: Lindsey H. Glass, Alexis M. Violette

Ware: Brett J. St.Onge

Webster: Tallia E. Annese, Jake W. Ford

West Boylston: Madison K. Bedard, Sarah R. Frost, Dylan R. Taylor

Westborough: Samanjar Ashraf Momo, Monika M. Czubaj, Stephanie A. Langer

Woodstock, CT: Kimberly L. Kopp

Worcester: Justicia Baddoo, Tosin P. Fatayo, Diminga M. Boley, Kathleen M. Cleary, Nguyen T. Duong, Bianca L. Gbale, Cassie J. Giardina, Duy Hoang, Amanda Hoxha, Meghan R. Hurley, Leila M. Jachimczyk, Emily A. Long, Onicia Mends, Yomayra Murillo, Peter W. Mutiga, Michelle T. Nguyen, Vanna Nguyen, Alyssa M. Price, Giana N. Railey, Alessandro G. Romeo, Alexander Sarkodie, Alda Ushe, Patrick J. Wallace, Norbert Kamil Wange

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester State University honors grads at commencement in DCU Center