Springfield College Alumni Return to Campus to Congratulate Class of 2025
Linda Cruse Moffat ’73 was the graduate commencement speaker at this year's ceremony.
By: Damon Markiewicz
As part of the Springfield College 139th Commencement activities on Saturday, May 17, alumni Linda Cruse Moffat ’73 and Keith Bugbee, G’84, had the opportunity to share their heartfelt messages to the graduating Class of 2025. Moffat was the graduate commencement speaker, while Bugbee addressed the undergraduate cohort during the annual Baccalaureate ceremony on the campus.
Both Moffat and Bugbee shared their distinguished Springfield College journeys, paths that have been based on a commitment to hard work, building meaningful connections and friendships, and a dedication to living our Humanics philosophy.
Following her own college graduation, Moffat went on to a successful career in the telecommunications industry. As a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of cable television experience, she led strategic sales, marketing, and affiliate relations efforts at networks, including Turner Broadcasting, National Geographic Channels, and AmericanLife TV. Her professional journey included work in legislative and public affairs with the U.S. Agency for International Development. Throughout her career, she took pride in her hard work and relied on the values she obtained on Alden Street.
“I arrived at Springfield College looking for clarity in my career path, and Springfield College provided me a great foundation, one that is built on service to others,” explained Moffat. “By living a life through the service to others values, I was prepared for the challenges that were in front of me.”
Moffat described herself as a “Grateful daughter of Springfield College.” Staying connected to the College she loves has always been a priority. Moffat has served on the College’s Board of Trustees, and she remains deeply committed to its mission. In recognition of her longstanding dedication and impact on the institution, she received the Springfield College prestigious Tarbell Medallion in 1997. Moffat’s industry accomplishments have been recognized with honors such as the TARA Award for Sales Woman of Achievement, and the Women of Achievement Award from the Atlanta YWCA. These honors represent Moffat’s passion for striving to make the world a better place.
“People will never forget how you make them feel,” explained Moffat. “The impact you can have on someone’s life with acts of kindness is really the foundation of service to others.”
Moffat’s active civic life includes contributes to multiple organizations, including the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, NAACP, and the National Senior Games Association. From corporate boardrooms to community service, Moffat exemplifies leadership, service, and impact.
“How you show up for people is so important,” explained Moffat. “Springfield College graduates, always show up with compassion and care.”
It was only fitting that Moffat would be sharing the same stage with Coach Bugbee, who has led the mission of “Showing Up” for others. Bugbee would have the honor of being the Baccalaureate keynote speaker following the graduate commencement ceremony. The Baccalaureate speaker is chosen by the graduating class, and this special event is the final ceremony the undergraduate class spends together on the campus. For Bugbee, he is retiring after 42 years as a faculty member and the head coach of the men’s lacrosse program.
“It’s really cool to be spending this final moment together inside the Field House,” Bugbee expressed to the Class of 2025. “Having been around coaching and teaching for as long as I have, it’s really cool to look out from the stage today and see so many families and friends sharing this special moment. It’s special to see so much support for each other.”
Bugbee’s coaching was infused with a unique approach built on kindness and respect that helped future generations understand the value of “Showing Up.” In his 40-plus years on campus, his impact reached far beyond the success on the field, including a national championship and multiple NCAA appearances. For over four decades, Bugbee helped shape the future of hundreds of men's lacrosse student-athletes, as well as countless others, through his teacher-coach role.
“This ceremony historically is a great opportunity to reflect on your accomplishments,” added Bugbee. “It’s a great opportunity to share a special moment with people who have been supportive in your lives.”
Showing up for others was the major theme during Bugbee’s term as the 2021-22 Distinguished Springfield Professor of Humanics. The phrase took on a very special meaning to the entire Bugbee family when Coach Bugbee's daughter Lindsay '08 passed away in 2018.
“The Springfield College community has always been there for me. As the years have gone by, this time allowed me to really appreciate Springfield College even more,” explained Bugbee. “I stress to everyone, when ‘showing up’ for people, make it intentional, and let people know you are thinking about them. It makes the world a better place.”
Both Moffat and Bugbee shared inspiring messages that members of the Class of 2025 can take with them as they start their professional journeys. More than 920 new Springfield College alumni left Alden Street knowing they have continued support from the alumni network.
“Graduates, Springfield College will always be here for you,” concluded Bugbee. “We wish you nothing but the best, and continue to show up for each other.”
