State commissioner praises education, nursing graduates for choosing careers with ‘immense heart’
May 12, 2024
Watch the livestream recording of the School of Education and School of Nursing Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement.
Sunday, May 12, 3 p.m.
Order of Exercises
School of Education
School of Nursing
3 p.m.
Trumpet Prelude and Processional
Pomp and Circumstance, Sir Edward Elgar
Call to Commencement
Tom Ellett, PhD
Chief Experience Officer
National Anthem
Sofia Grace Delicata ’24
Greetings
Judy D. Olian, PhD
President
Class of 2024 Student Speakers
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School of Education: Megan Lynn Pushard
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School of Nursing: Cheree Marie Simone Wright
Introduction of Commencement Speaker
Lisa Rebeschi, PhD
Senior Associate Dean
Commencement Address
Charlene Russell-Tucker
Commissioner, Connecticut State Department of Education
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees and Awards
School of Education: Anne Dichele, PhD, Dean
School of Nursing: Larry Slater, PhD, Dean
Conferral of Degrees
Judy D. Olian
Alumni Welcome
Pam Martinez ’86
Alumni Association Board
Recessional
Charlene M. Russell-Tucker
Commissioner for the Connecticut State Department of Education
School of Education and School of Nursing Ceremony | Sunday, May 12, 3 p.m.
Charlene Russell-Tucker was appointed by Gov. Ned Lamont as commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Education in August 2021, after serving as acting commissioner. Prior to becoming acting commissioner, Russell-Tucker served as deputy commissioner managing educational supports and wellness priorities. She’s also testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions about “Supporting Students and Schools: Promising Practices to Get Back on Track” in June 2022 and “Why Are So Many American Youth in a Mental Health Crisis? Exploring Courses and Solutions” in June 2023. In 2015, Russell-Tucker was named to the inaugural class of “100 Women of Color” in Connecticut. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Joseph and a master’s degree from Albertus Magnus College. Russell-Tucker also serves on the Board of Trustees at the University of Connecticut.
A Message from the President
Congratulations to the Class of 2024! You are well prepared to continue your life journey as professionals who will impact the world and the workplaces of tomorrow. We are confident you will apply your talent, passion and education to serve boldly as engaged citizens in your communities — and beyond. These qualities are at your core and will continue to propel you well into the future.
As graduates of Quinnipiac University, you have learned from a distinguished faculty and a committed staff who proudly stand beside you today. You also have learned valuable lessons from each other during this most transformative time in your lives. Please stay connected to our Bobcat family, visit us often, and draw upon the many friendships and mentorships you have formed here.
This day is shared with your families and friends, those who also deserve special recognition and appreciation for their contributions to your success. Enjoy this momentous achievement! Together, we are cheering for you, with utmost pride.
Warmly
Judy D. Olian
Mace and Medallion
The mace — a symbol of authority — has antecedents in both Roman and Medieval history. The Roman mace (fasces) was carried by a lictor before the chief magistrate of the city, as well as before the legions. During the Middle Ages, the mace (mateola), a weapon of war, became first a symbol of victory and then a symbol of authority. The mace emblazoned with the Great Seal of England became a symbol of authority in Parliament by the end of the 13th century. It is this form of the mace that was the prototype of those symbols of authority, not only of legislative bodies, but also of cities and universities.
In 1246, following some 20 years of strife, the University of Paris was finally conceded the right to its own common seal. Since then, the use of the seal engraved on the mace has come to symbolize the authority of the academic community. In July 2000, Quinnipiac commissioned the noted sculptor Robert Meyer of Westport, Connecticut, to design and execute a new mace for Quinnipiac University. Cast in bronze, the mace incorporates elements of the university seal.
The medallion (medal of office), like the mace and the seal, is also a symbol of authority. It is possible that its roots may be traced back to the Roman “bulla” (a gold amulet of honor). The obverse of the medallion shows the seal of the office the wearer holds — in our case, the seal of the university. Not infrequently, the reverse would show the personal seal or coat of arms of the bearer. Since the High Middle Ages, the medallion has been worn by such officials as the chancellors of England, mayors of cities, and rectors of universities, and came to signify the high personal position such figures occupied in their respective governments. During the Renaissance, medallion design reached unique artistic heights, and in certain portraits the medallion was given particular prominence. The medallion is worn by the university’s president. The Quinnipiac medal showcases the university seal, sculpted in relief and cast in bronze.
Doctoral Hooding Ceremony
The 12th and 13th centuries saw the formation of universities under the jurisdiction of the Church. Most students of the day were clerks in the Holy Order, monks or priests. Cowls or hoods adorned their habits and protected the young scholars from harsh weather and the pervading dampness of the stone buildings in which they studied. Hoods also served to cover tonsured heads before the use of the skullcap.
Today, the cap, gown and hood have taken on a symbolic meaning. Color and shape conform to an academic code signifying a university’s conferral of the degree and the nature of the degree conferred. Gowns for the doctoral degree carry velvet panels and three horizontal velvet bars on the upper arm of the full, round, bell-shaped sleeves.
