May 9th marked a new chapter for Anna Maria College as the institution celebrated its 2022 Commencement Ceremony at the DCU Center in Worcester. The new and larger venue held nearly 300 graduates and 3,500 guests while still retaining Anna Maria’s sense of a tight-knit community.

Commencement began with a rendition of the National Anthem performed by Krystal J. Melendez ‘22, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy.

Anna Maria College’s 11^th president, Mary Lou Retelle, recognized the graduates’ accomplishments while highlighting the College’s values and the social impact alumni have on their communities.

Student Speaker, Dream Whitaker ’22 personified Anna Maria’s commitment to nurturing and educating well-rounded students who will be impactful future leaders. A graduate who double-majored in Forensic Criminology and Law and Society, Whitaker will be attending law school at UMass Dartmouth. She spoke about the role that faith played in applying for Anna Maria and how four years later she developed friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime.

John and Cynthia Monahan from Worcester were named this year’s honorary degree recipients for their work in work in public safety and their dutiful spiritual support of the Catholic Church and the Christian community.

Nursing major and Honor’s Program graduate Peter Walsh ‘22 was awarded the Bishop Timothy J. Harrington Award for compassionate service towards others and for promoting peace. The Sr. Yvette Bellerose Award was presented to Ashley Garcia ‘22 for embodying Anna Maria’s values and serving as a role model to other students. The Dr. Bernadette Madore Award for Academic Excellence was bestowed upon Noah Morning ‘22, who completed a Bachelor of Science degree in both Criminal Justice & Forensic Criminology with a cumulative GPA of 4.0.

The Baccalaureate Mass, Hooding ceremony for the senior class, Pinning ceremonies for Nursing and Social Work graduates, and a champagne brunch for families were held on campus the previous day.

Click on the Tab below to see images from your ceremony.