WTNH-TV anchor urges arts and sciences, and communications graduates to grow from adversity
Quinnipiac conferred degrees to 376 graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences and 312 graduates from the School of Communications
May 14, 2023
Sunday, May 14, 10 a.m.
Order of Exercises
College of Arts & Sciences
School of Communications
10 a.m.
Trumpet Prelude and Processional
Pomp and Circumstance, Sir Edward Elgar
Call to Commencement
Tom Ellett, PhD
Chief Experience Officer
National Anthem
Emily Kane, BA ’23
Greetings
Judy D. Olian, PhD
President
Welcome from the Class of 2023
Jamie Nicole Manley, MA ’23
Response of the Class of 2023
Giavanna Carmela Ragon, BA ’23
Introduction of Commencement Speaker
Richard Hanley
Associate Professor of Journalism
Commencement Address
Dennis House
Chief Political Anchor, Evening News Anchor, WTNH-TV News 8
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees and Awards
College of Arts and Sciences: Adam Roth, PhD, Dean
School of Communications: Chris Roush, MS, Dean
Conferral of Degrees
Judy D. Olian
Alumni Welcome
Pamela Martinez ’86
Board Member, Alumni Association
Recessional
Amor Vittorioso | G. Gastoldi
March | A. Valenti
Dennis House
School of Communications and College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate and Graduate Ceremony | Sunday, May 14, 10 a.m.
WTNH evening news anchor Dennis House has been a friendly face on television screens in Connecticut for over three decades. Across his award-winning career as an anchor and political reporter, House has interviewed U.S. Presidents, moderated political debates, emceed countless charity events and reported live news hits from presidential inaugurations, the World Series and the Final Four. He’s been a steadying presence for Connecticut viewers during tragedies and natural disasters. Prior to his time at WTNH, he spent more than 20 years broadcasting the evening news at WFSB alongside his friend and longtime co-anchor, the late Denise D’Ascenzo. House received his bachelor’s degree in foreign affairs from Assumption College before he got his start in broadcast journalism at WPRI-TV in Providence, Rhode Island. Originally from Norwood, Massachusetts, he now lives in Hartford with his wife, Kara Sundlun, a fellow TV news anchor, and their children, Helena and Julian.
A Message from the President
Congratulations to the Class of 2023! 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.
