Business, Communications and Education Commencement

Have the courage to fail, speaker tells graduates

The university conferred on Tyrone “Woody” Woodyard, vice president of communications for Sikorsky, an honorary degree. In his address, Woodyard urged the Class of 2017 to embody confidence, curiosity and commitment during his address.

"Your academic accomplishment combined with confidence now provides and affords you the privilege and opportunity to make significant and meaningful impacts within your companies and organizations," he said.

Madison Kelly Peltier, who earned a Master of Arts in Teaching, delivered the welcome address for the Class of 2017. In all, there were 570 graduate degree candidates from the three schools.

In the School of Business, 366 students earned Master of Business Administration degrees and Master of Science degrees in business analytics and organizational leadership. In the School of Communications, 62 students earned Master of Science degrees in interactive media, journalism, public relations and sports journalism.

In the School of Education, 142 students earned Master of Arts in Teaching degrees in elementary education and secondary education, master of science degrees in instructional design and teacher leadership, and Sixth-Year Diplomas in educational leadership.

“During my seven-year relationship with Quinnipiac, I’ve mentored, hired, championed and promoted Quinnipiac graduates like you — and they’ve never disappointed,” Woodyard said. He urged the graduates to bring a new level of commitment to their professions and to seek out new challenges. “You now possess that special brand of ‘Quinnipiac confidence.’”

Arts and Sciences, Health Sciences and Nursing Commencement

Graduates urged to be leaders of change

Juan Quintana, chief executive officer of Sleepy Anesthesia Associates in Texas, urged the Class of 2017 to treat others with kindness while following their passion. Quintana, who addressed the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Health Sciences and School Nursing, was awarded an honorary degree at the graduate Commencement ceremony.

“Change is not limited to the health care system. Change is universal,” Quintana said. “I have no magic crystal ball. I cannot predict whether the current trends will be good or bad for any or all of us but I can say that each of us must be an integral part in designing what is to come.”

Jinger Sanders, who earned a Master of Health Science degree, delivered the welcome address for the Class of 2017. In all, there were 415 graduate degree candidates from the three schools.

“Bring your education,” Quintana implored the graduates. “Bring your passion. Bring your leadership. Your power and influence are perhaps stronger than you can ever imagine. Your ability to become an effective leader will rely on how you make people feel. As you move forward, treat each other with kindness. It’s an imperative.”

In the College of Arts and Sciences, 15 students earned Master of Science degrees in molecular and cell biology. In the School of Health Sciences, 325 students earned Master of Health Science degrees, Master of Occupational Therapy degrees, Master of Social Work degrees, Occupational Therapy Doctorates and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees. Another 75 students earned Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees.

“Lead the change,” Quintana said. “Fight for your dreams; they’re achievable. And treat each other with kindness. Instead of waiting for a leader you believe in, become the leader you can believe in.”

Quinnipiac is a dynamic, three-campus university where professors who want to know students by name come to teach, and where students who want a personal, challenging education come to learn.

Located in Southern New England, Quinnipiac’s top-rated academics, low faculty-to-student ratio and Division I athletics are just some of the reasons why it is consistently ranked among the best universities by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. It is one of 100 universities to have both a law school and a medical school with the opening of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine in 2013, and its Polling Institute is respected by media organizations around the globe.

Faculty members are experts in their fields and generous with their time. The university prepares undergraduate and graduate students for success in business, communications, engineering, health, education, law, medicine, nursing and the liberal arts and sciences. More than 100 programs are offered to 6,784 undergraduate and 2,884 graduate students.

Throughout its rich history, Quinnipiac has remained true to its three core values: high-quality academic programs, a student-oriented environment and a strong sense of community.

The university is hosting 10 Commencement ceremonies, including our inaugural ceremony for the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine and the first ceremony for the newly formed School of Engineering.