Springfield College Director of Alumni Relations Deleney Magoffin ’05,G’11 Delivers 2023 Baccalaureate Speech
Deleney Magoffin ’05,G’11, former Springfield College Associate Director of Admissions and newly appointed Director of Alumni Relations, had the prestigious honor of being chosen by the Class of 2023 as their Baccalaureate Ceremony keynote speaker during commencement weekend ceremonies on May 13, 2023. Baccalaureate Ceremony Photo Gallery.
By: Damon Markiewicz
Deleney Magoffin ’05,G’11, former Springfield College Associate Director of Admissions and newly appointed Director of Alumni Relations, had the prestigious honor of being chosen by the Class of 2023 as their Baccalaureate Ceremony keynote speaker during commencement weekend ceremonies on May 13, 2023.
The Baccalaureate speaker is selected by the graduating undergraduate class, and the honor represents an individual who has dedicated themselves to supporting students, and making sure their experiences are memorable while on Alden Street. The Baccalaureate ceremony is held on the day before the undergraduate commencement to honor the graduating senior class.
While introducing Magoffin, outgoing Student Government Association President and Class of 2023 leader Douglas Wydom explained it perfectly as to why Magoffin was this year’s obvious choice.
“Deleney played a vital role in getting each and every one of us to this point in our academic careers,” said Wydom. “Starting with her role in admissions and overseeing the student ambassador program on campus, it was through Deleney’s initiatives that allowed students the opportunity to envision what the four years as undergraduates would look like at Springfield College. Now in her new role as alumni director, there is nobody better to keep us connected to Springfield College, and remind us we are always welcome back to campus, the place we all call home.”
As a proud double alumna of Springfield College, Magoffin expressed to the graduating class why it’s natural for her to build strong bonds with current students, and our alumni. She described how she has lived the Springfield College experience as both an undergraduate and graduate student, and explained how those moments can resonate with the graduating class.
“I was a new student orientation leader, I lived in Gulick, International, Abbey and the Townhouses, I worked Camp Massasoit, and took part in Outdoor Pursuits,” added Magoffin, who majored in recreation management and was a student-athlete as a cross-country runner. “When I was notified that the Class of 2023 selected me as their speaker, I was so excited, and it was only fitting that I had a member of the graduating class, Colby Wilson, waiting to meet with me as I found out. It was the perfect way to celebrate.”
As Wilson describes, there was really only one choice for the Class of 2023 Baccalaureate speaker, and that person was Magoffin.
“Del puts her heart and soul into our campus and is so caring of all students,” added Wilson. “She means so much to our class, and we appreciate all she has done for us, and we are so excited to stay connected with her in the alumni office.”
During her speech, Magoffin highlighted her commitment to our Humanics philosophy as a student, and that dedication has only been reinforced during her professional career on campus as well.
“All of my experiences at Springfield College have given me the courage to lean into new experiences,” explained Magoffin. “I can honestly say, every good thing I have in my life is thanks to my relationship with this special place.”
Magoffin went on to provide some heart-felt advice to the students as they transition into the next chapter of their lives.
“Class of 2023, I am so proud of you,” expressed Magoffin. “It’s such an amazing honor to be your speaker, and this opportunity means so much. Your diploma represents so much more than just your work in the classroom. Your life is a string of many little and big decisions, and your best decisions are the ones when you bet on yourself.”
She went on to remind the graduating class that her mission for them when they first visited campus remains the same as they become alumni.
“As part of the ambassadors program in admissions, we wanted to create a sense of belonging for students as soon as they stepped on campus,” stated Magoffin. “I promise that sense of belonging will always remain for you at Springfield College, and we will be here waiting for you, anytime you need to be reminded Springfield College is home for you.”
