Scholarships and Awards Ceremony Celebrates High-Achieving Students
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Board of Trustees Chair, William J. Walczak, Foundation President James W. Murphy and President Pam Y. Eddinger welcomed the students and congratulated them on their achievements. “I’m grateful for the donors who have put their faith in our students and in our College,” said President Eddinger. “Many of these students are the first in their family to go to college, the first to receive a degree and the first to enter professional work. You are making a huge difference in our students’ lives, not just now but for generations to come.”
Dr. James F. Canniff, Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, presided at the event. “Tonight we recognize you for all that you have accomplished and for all that you will accomplish,” said Dr. Canniff. “It is a privilege to be here in the presence of so many high achieving students.”
“The students being honored here tonight are proof that academic talent is not restricted to those who can afford college,” said BHCC Foundation Board President James W. Murphy, acknowledging the many donors that support Foundation scholars.
Dr. Kimberly M. Frashure, Professor, Engineering and Physical Sciences Department, addressed the students on behalf of the faculty and professional staff. “Life is a journey–it’s about growing, facing adversity and learning lessons,” said Dr. Frashure whose own journey began at West Shore Community College in northern Michigan where she admits she struggled academically. She went on to enlist in the United States Air Force and travel across Europe before discovering her passion in environmental science and continuing her education. “I encourage you to place yourself in different environments to grow outward and inward and to learn more about yourself so that you can have the opportunity to find your passion.”
Students recognized for special achievement or superior academic performance received certificates from their academic departments. Deans Michelle M. Elias Bloomer, Lori A. Catallozzi, Laurie K. McCorry and Maria Kathleen N. Puente announced the awards for their division.
A final acknowledgement went to BHCC’s nine Commonwealth Honors Program graduates, who were personally presented with Commonwealth Honors ribbons and medals by the College president and Board of Trustees designee.
View more photos and video along with the event program with scholarship and award recipients’ names on the Ceremony Highlights page.