PLYMOUTH, N.H.-Nearly 400 people were granted master's degrees and Certificates of Advanced Graduate Studies at Plymouth State University's 61st College of Graduate Studies graduation ceremony Saturday, May 14 at the Foley Gymnasium in Holderness, N.H.
"A graduate degree takes a special commitment," said PSU President Sara Jayne Steen. "As faculty members, we hope that we have provided you a safety net as you took risks in your research and performance, and that we've been role models of active learning and engagement."
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| Granite State Award winner Dick Hamilton |
Renowned New Hampshire tourism advocate Dick Hamilton received a Granite State Award, which is reserved for those who have made exceptional contributions to the state of New Hampshire and its citizens. Hamilton has more than 50 years of experience in the tourism industry, including 35 years as CEO of the White Mountains Attractions Association. He was the founder and first executive director of SKI 93 and a founder of the New Hampshire Travel Council, which he chaired for 10 years.
"Thank you, Plymouth State University. This is a great honor and I'm deeply moved," said Hamilton.
PSU education professor Dr. Leo Sandy was named Distinguished Graduate Teacher. Sandy is a longtime counseling educator who has earned a reputation as a strong advocate for social justice and peace.
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| Dr. Leo Sandy received PSU Distinguished Graduate Teacher award |
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| 2011 PSU Graduate Commencement speaker Dr. Nancy Puglisi |
"I'd like to thank all of my students for making me a better teacher," Sandy said. "I wish you well in your future endeavors."
The Commencement Speaker, Dr. Nancy Puglisi, is a well-known wellness expert who is the Director of Organizational Wellness at the University System of New Hampshire. Puglisi told students that her parents taught her four lessons about life that have served her well.
"Enjoy your workwork harder than the next guyadd value to the organization you work inalways thank people for their kindness."
Puglisi recounted how she started working in the mailroom of Plymouth State in 1978, but she always strove to find a better career and was willing to work hard to achieve her goals.
"You always know where you start," said Puglisi. "You never know where you will end up...that's up to you."
The 2011 graduating class included:
- 51 post-master's Certificates of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS)
- 12 Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- 59 Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 234 Master of Education (MEd)
- 27 Master of Science (MS)
Additionally, the class of 2011 has graduates from New Hampshire and 21 other states, including Washington, California, Arizona, Colorado, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, DC., and five foreign countries, including Austria, Bangladesh, Romania, Canada and China.
PSU's College of Graduate Studies presents MAT, MS, MEd, MBA, CAGS and EdD degrees in more than 75 programs and certifications on campus and at more than 15 locations throughout the state and online around the world.
For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu