Michele D. Perkins, Ed.D.
President
New England College

Again, on behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, your faculty, and the staff of New England College, let me say how proud we all are of your accomplishments and how much we look forward to welcoming you back to this campus in the years to come.

It is my vision, that whenever you return to campus, that you will find the same vibrant and caring community that you leave here today.

As Chairman Bond was describing the accomplishments of several of our alumni, I couldn’t help but look out at today’s graduates. Over four hundred in total.

I know there are so many of you who are anxious to take what you have learned here and apply it in your professional lives. With New England College’s emphasis on civic engagement and social responsibility, we believe that you, over many others, are well prepared and qualified to do that.

Anne Frank is quoted as saying, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

And so as we conclude this ceremony, we charge you all, to find your place in the world, work from your strengths, and bring about change that would improve your own life and the lives of others. And do not wait a single moment, for we are in need of your talent, your energy, and your vision now more than ever.

Thank you.