Skip to Main ContentSearch SiteSearch Site
Top

Caps, gowns, and smiles return to The Dunk as CCRI hosts Commencement 2022

C2022May 16, 2022

From the festive, well-decorated graduation caps to the sounds of Pomp and Circumstance filling the arena, the Community College of Rhode Island returned in style to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center for its first in-person commencement ceremony in three years.

View photo galleries
 

Commencement 2022 celebrated the classes of 2020 and 2021 in addition to this year’s class, honoring those graduates who did not get the opportunity to cross the stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With representatives from each class sharing details of their journey to commencement, this year’s ceremony served as both a traditional celebration of academic excellence and a celebration of the perseverance and adaptability of graduates who triumphed despite the unforeseen challenges of the pandemic.

Commencement 2022 was also a celebration of teamwork, a reoccurring theme in higher education throughout the pandemic. Students relied more on the college’s resources than ever before – from virtual advising to 24/7 online tutoring – and faculty members worked hand-in-hand with their students to adjust to a new way of learning.

“Teams can do what single individuals can’t,” said CCRI president Meghan Hughes, referencing the story of Charles Plumb, the late U.S. Navy jet pilot and former prisoner of war who several years after returning home unexpectedly met the who packed the parachute that saved his life when his plane was shot down.

“I love this story because it’s an important reminder about teams – really reflecting on who is it that helps us achieve a goal like the one that you all have achieved today, which is to become a college graduate.

“I want you to hold on to this idea of teamwork because I believe strongly it will help you as you take the next step on your journey.”

Added student speaker Ryk McIntyre of Providence, RI, a Phi Theta Kappa officer and President of the CCRI Players student theater group who earned his associate degree in Fine Arts at the age of 61: “We are capable, smart, and we are always stronger together.”

The graduates from all three classes attending this year’s ceremony represent the diversity of CCRI’s student body while showcasing how the college accommodates all students no matter where they are in their journey.

Kevin Millette, 56, a former car salesman from Newport who had grown dissatisfied with the automotive industry, enrolled at CCRI three years ago after earning his GED. He hadn’t attended school since the eighth grade, but graduated this year with his associate degree in General Studies and crossed the stage this year alongside his 28-year-old daughter, Kathrine Millette, who earned her certificate in Medical Insurance Billing.

Kevin plans to pursue a career in criminal justice, possibly transferring to Roger Williams University.

“At first, returning to school was a rude awakening, but I knew the only way I’d turn my life around was to get a college degree,” Millette said. “It’s never too late. CCRI is the stepping stone for so many students. Every professor I had here was fantastic. If you had a question, they always had the answer.   

“From the moment I sat down with a counselor and told them what I wanted to do, they had an entire plan for me. I would tell everyone to come here.”

Angela Fazio, 31, Cranston, RI, also earned her degree later in life. Homeless as a teenager, Fazio never had the opportunity to focus on her education until she was adopted at 17. A decade later, she finished her GED and enrolled at CCRI, earning her associate degree in Human Services with a concentration in Special Education. She will enroll at Rhode Island College next fall to pursue her bachelor’s degree.

Fazio admits she had tears in her eyes when she received the invitation to participate in this year’s commencement.

“The way that my life was as a teen, I couldn’t even picture college,” she said, “so to be able to graduate and cross the stage meant the world to me.”

The feeling was mutual for the graduates from 2020 and 2021 who returned for this year’s commencement, especially 34-year-old Tristin Tate of Bristol, RI, who earned his Physical Therapist Assistant degree in 2020, the first time commencement was canceled due to the pandemic. Tate, who now works at Lifespan as a Medication Access Specialist, wanted the opportunity to walk both for himself and his family.

“I have a 3- and a 4-year-old and I thought it would be important for them to see their dad cross the stage,” Tate said. “Tomorrow is never promised, so I figured I would come back today so they have something to remember me by through my success at CCRI.”

Class of 2020 graduate Meade Rouzard, 34, born and raised in Haiti and now living in Woonsocket, RI, admits he was hesitant about attending this year’s ceremony until he spoke with his brother, who graduated CCRI in 2021 and also did not get to attend a traditional commencement.

“He told me, ‘We started this journey together,’ and it was important for us to celebrate together,” said Meade, who earned his associate degree in Nursing and recently began a new position at the Providence VA Medical Center.

The journey differed for all involved, but Commencement 2022 was a much-needed return to normalcy for both CCRI and its graduates – an opportunity to relive the magic, celebrate with friends and family, and show what teamwork can accomplish.

“This feels great – it feels normal,” said 20-year-old Jacob Dufresne; Coventry, RI, native; Rhode Island Promise scholar; and Class of 2022 graduate from the Advanced Manufacturing & Design program who spent his entire college career learning amidst the pandemic. “Learning online was strange at first, and it was tough in my field because it’s so hands-on, but everything worked out in the end. I’m happy to be here today to celebrate.”

Share this story

Latest News

CCRI recognized as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting

CCRI recognized as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting

November 20, 2024

For the past two election cycles, the Community College of Rhode Island has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge as part of its Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting recognition program.

Read More

Navy experience guides CCRI alumna in her new career as a full-time Communication professor

Navy experience guides CCRI alumna in her new career as a full-time Communication professor

November 07, 2024

Assistant Communication and Film/Media professor Jennifer O'Rourke, a Warwick, RI, native and Class of 2007 graduate, is in her second year as a full-time faculty member after serving as a Mass Communication Specialist for the U.S. Navy.  

Read More

Second high school joins CCRI's free advanced manufacturing dual-enrollment certificate program

Second high school joins CCRI's free advanced manufacturing dual-enrollment certificate program

October 29, 2024

One year after CCRI and North Kingstown High School partnered to launch the college's free Advanced Manufacturing Program for high school students interested in earning a Manufacturing and Design Certificate, Mount Pleasant High School has joined the program this fall to extend this unique opportunity to a group of 14 students. 

Read More

CCRI receives grant to empower and celebrate First-Generation college students

CCRI receives grant to empower and celebrate First-Generation college students

October 24, 2024

The $1,000 grant will be used to support a First Generation Family Night event at CCRI’s Lincoln Campus on November 7 as part of its First-Generation College Celebration Day programming. First-Generation College Celebration Day is observed each year on November 8 to celebrate the success of first-generation college students, faculty, and staff who were the first in their families to graduate college.

Read More

Vampire love story takes center stage as CCRI Players launch 2024-25 season

Vampire love story takes center stage as CCRI Players launch 2024-25 season

October 23, 2024

The CCRI Players, the college's student-run theater group, kick off their fall semester this week at the Bobby Hackett Theatre with an adaptation of Let the Right One In, based off the best-selling 2004 novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist. 

Read More

Employee Spotlight: Joshua Seguí-Rodríguez

Employee Spotlight: Joshua Seguí-Rodríguez

October 21, 2024

In today’s Employee Spotlight, we meet CCRI's new Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Joshua Seguí-Rodríguez and uncover what inspired him to serve others, how he brought that passion to the forefront as a college student, and his unique skillset beyond the console.

Read More

Alumni Association inducts nine new members into Society of Knights and Squires

Alumni Association inducts nine new members into Society of Knights and Squires

October 16, 2024

Nine Community College of Rhode Island alumni were inducted into the college’s Society of Knights and Squires as part of the CCRI Foundation and Alumni Association’s 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards at the Warwick Campus.

Read More

Theater alum Wong becomes CCRI's fourth to earn Gamm fellowship in 2024-25

Theater alum Wong becomes CCRI's fourth to earn Gamm fellowship in 2024-25

October 09, 2024

Allison “Sonny” Wong of Barrington, RI, a Class of 2024 graduate, is one of four fellows selected as part of the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre's 10-month 2024-25 Gamm Fellowship Program, which will be the theatre's 40th anniversary season.

Read More

CCRI celebrates grand opening of new Casino Training Academy at Lincoln Campus

CCRI celebrates grand opening of new Casino Training Academy at Lincoln Campus

October 03, 2024

The state-of-the-art Training Academy, sponsored by Bally's Corporation, features eight blackjack tables and will provide a simulated gaming environment for the 30 students enrolled in the first cohort of the college's Introduction to Table Games Dealer Training course.

Read More

Editorial: How Philanthropy Fuels Student Success at CCRI

Editorial: How Philanthropy Fuels Student Success at CCRI

September 25, 2024

With CCRI continuing its goal of providing accessible, high-quality education that leads to strong learning outcomes and successful career pathways, innovative programs and substantial financial support are necessary to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Read More

Newport Campus opens its doors to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County Teen Center

Newport Campus opens its doors to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County Teen Center

September 18, 2024

The Community College of Rhode Island  has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County to relocate the B&GC’s Teen Center to CCRI’s Newport County Campus as part of CCRI’s Community First initiative.

Read More

CCRI receives historic $2 million private gift to fund launch of new CCRI Advantage program

CCRI receives historic $2 million private gift to fund launch of new CCRI Advantage program

August 29, 2024

This historic gift – the largest private gift in the college's 60-year history – supports the new CCRI Advantage program, which assists students who need help with developmental programming get the guidance they need to overcome barriers and stay on track to earn their degree. 

Read More

Summer Rep season comes to a close with weekend performance of Shakespeare's Coriolanus

Summer Rep season comes to a close with weekend performance of Shakespeare's Coriolanus

August 08, 2024

The 2024 Summer Repertory theater season comes to an end beginning tonight at the Warwick Campus’ Bobby Hackett Theatre with the CCRI Players' rendition of Shakespeare's Coriolanus, based on the life of the legendary – and controversial – Roman leader.

Read More

CCRI joins prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative to support workforce training programs

CCRI joins prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative to support workforce training programs

August 06, 2024

Eighteen community colleges nationwide, including CCRI, will receive a grant from the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) for $75,000 to provide financial support for students enrolled in the college’s medical assistant and patient support specialist workforce training programs.

Read More

Employee Spotlight: Maddie Burke

Employee Spotlight: Maddie Burke

July 31, 2024

Today's Employee Spotlight catches up with Maddie Burke, CCRI's Providence Campus leader who recently began her new role as the college's first Dean of Career and Technical Education, Early College & Community Partnerships, which allows her to make an even greater impact within her community and beyond. 

Read More

Upcoming Events

Mar.
18

Global Wind Organization - Basic Safety Training - Ongoing

March 18, 2024 All Day

Flanagan Campus

Sep.
5

Early Childhood Education

September 5, 2024 All Day

Nov.
1

Toys For Tots

November 1, 2024 All Day

All Campuses

Nov.
21

Fine Art Seminar Exhibition Reception

November 21, 2024 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Knight Campus

Nov.
22

Fall (2nd 7-Week) Make-up Day (Thanksgiving Day)

November 22, 2024 All Day

Nov.
22

Make-up Day (Thanksgiving Day) 7-Week Second Session

November 22, 2024 All Day

Nov.
22

Voice Recital

November 22, 2024 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Knight Campus

Nov.
23

Youth Basketball Skills Clinic

November 23, 2024 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Warwick Campus Vincent Cullen Fieldhouse