The Community College of Vermont (CCV) held a virtual celebration June 5 for the Class of 2021 and the Class of 2020.
From the Class of 2021, more than 450 students received associate degrees. Graduates represent all 14 Vermont counties, plus 10 states and 15 countries. The youngest graduate is 17 and the oldest is 78. Also among the graduates are 23 veterans and active members of the military.
CCV graduate Ashleigh du Plessis
The celebration also recognized more than 400 graduates from the Class of 2020, which includes graduates from all 14 Vermont counties, plus 12 states and 14 countries. The youngest member of the Class of 2020 is 19 and the oldest is 86. The class also includes 27 veterans and active members of the military.
Governor Phil Scott addressed the graduates, and CCV President Joyce Judy officiated the event.
Governor Scott congratulated graduates and offered lessons on leadership. “Sometimes you have to dig deep, you have to challenge your own instincts, be willing to learn and take in new information, listen to different perspectives, before doing what you think is right,” he said. “And that’s true whether you’re just starting out your career in your 20s, or embarking on a new opportunity later in life. I’m confident CCV has given you the tools you need to succeed, and the lessons you’ve learned will help guide the way for years to come.”
President Judy acknowledged the resilience and determination of graduates. “Today we pause to celebrate not only what you have accomplished, but how,” she said. “Your graduation is a time to reflect on the classes you have taken, the tests and papers you have completed, and the knowledge you have gained. It is also a time to recognize the spirit of perseverance that has helped so many of you accomplish this goal despite the many obstacles and challenges you faced along the way.”
Amanda Letourneau
CCV-Newport graduate Amanda Letourneau was the Class of 2020 student speaker. “Whatever your journey may be after today, whatever your next adventure is, I hope wholeheartedly that you accept whatever comes your way, and you accept help if you need it,” she said. She also encouraged graduates to keep going. “Remember, today is a milestone. It tells us how far we’ve come. Keep learning, keep trying, keep accomplishing. Keep on traveling on your journey, whatever that journey may be. Never give up on your dreams, big or small.”
The Class of 2021 student speaker was Ashleigh du Plessis, from the College’s Upper Valley academic center. An international student from South Africa, du Plessis urged her peers to hold onto what they’ve learned. “Being a student during the pandemic meant the introduction of remote learning technologies and different study methods. We learned to understand the value in checking in on one another, and we discovered resources that could support both our educational and mental well-being. Resources like these will still be available to us after graduation, so don’t forget about them.” She added, “Don’t stop learning … Take every opportunity to apply your new skills, share your knowledge, and then look for ways to learn some more.”
CCV is Vermont’s second-largest college, serving over 10,000 students each year at its 12 locations. For more information visit ccv.edu.
