Vaughn Invites Family and Friends to Honor Students at Annual Honors Convocation Ceremony
On Wednesday, May 11, family, friends and staff gathered in the main lobby to congratulate honor students for all of their hard work and achievements throughout the year at Vaughn’s convocation ceremony. Awards were given out to students who have shown academic excellence in engineering, aviation, management and technology with a grade point average of 3.50 or above. Awards were also presented to students who possess exceptional leadership and athletic abilities.
The ceremony began with opening remarks from Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Paul LaVergne, and special greetings from President Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo. The presidential greetings were then followed by convocation guest speaker, Max Gross (’75).
Max Gross a Vaughn alum and principal of SciMax Technologies gave an insightful convocation address with useful advice. “There will be disappointments along your journey, but don’t give up,” said Gross “Vaughn gave you the tools to succeed, so work diligently but be humble and don’t expect miracles overnight.”
Gross took the time to provide a teaching moment for all honor students in attendance, saying: “Treat others with respect, even in negative situations. Do not retreat easily when you know you are correct. Keep learning about yourself. Express disappointment and move on, and always take the higher road.”
Nicholas Kumia (’16) who will be the May 2016 student speaker for Vaughn’s commencement, also addressed his fellow achievers during the ceremony.
“Throughout my journey here, I have come to know how lucky we are to have attended Vaughn College.” Kumia quoted from the “Harry Potter” book series, citing Professor Dumbledore in relation to his soon-to-be-new alma mater and expressing his gratitude for Vaughn’s professors and staff who helped him achieve success. “Help is there for those who ask for it, and help is there for those who deserve it.”
You can view the complete list of award winners here.
Student speaker, Nicholas Kumia (’16) recalls his academic years at Vaughn College.
Vaughn alum, Max Gross (’75) gives the honors convocation address.