Baccalaureate Ceremony 2017 – A Celebration of the Spirit, Mind, and Body

Delivering the Baccalaureate address was Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper, whose inauguration year coincided with the Class of 2017’s incoming year back in the Fall of 2013. Cooper was introduced by Senior Class Board President and occupational therapy major Natalie Waechter.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to stand before you this afternoon and deliver remarks on this very special day for you,” said Cooper. “You are, as I have mentioned at many times, my class. We started together in 2013. Our lives here on campus have followed a similar path.”

Cooper went on to highlight some of her favorite takeaways over the last four years at Springfield College, reminiscing about the traditions that exist on the campus and how those traditions make the campus a special place.

“Springfield College is rich in traditions and the traditions matter here, it's who we are,” said Cooper. “Yes, it’s true we don’t walk on the grass. Seems simple. But what it symbolizes is how we live our lives. Success is a result of hard work, discipline, and focus. So we use the sidewalk. Save the grass for recreation and give it a break from casual trampling on. Students put the time into what is important. Focus on your goals and you will achieve them.”

Cooper went on to explain that the College’s commitment in service to others remains at the top of the list in strengthening her passion for the College and its students.

“Over 120,000 hours each year helping others have a better life, our students set the bar for hundreds of thousands of college students around the nation who think they are doing service,” said Cooper. “I am impressed, in awe, and in debt for all you do for others. Luke, Piper, Celia, Blake, Lisa, Jillian, Zachary, Alexander, Jondel, our nine Team IMPACT kids. We all know that it’s wonderful for those children to interact with our student athletes. The truth remains that our students are forever changed by the chance to know these young peoples' daily struggles, to see life and death matters first hand, what inclusion really means. I am humbled by the experience that I have to watch through your eyes.”

Cooper concluded by mentioning how special Springfield College is to her entire family, and the journey the Class of 2017 started with the Cooper family four years ago means so much to all of them.

“We want to thank you for making us feel so welcome and a part of this community,” added Cooper. “On behalf of the Cooper Team - Dave, Cal, Dakota, and Jack, it's been a great four years and we will not soon forget you.”