CEO tells business, computing and engineering graduates to be courageous in everything they do
Quinnipiac conferred degrees to 802 graduates of the School of Business and 100 graduates of the School of Computing and Engineering
May 13, 2023
Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.
Order of Exercises
School of Business
School of Computing and Engineering
10 a.m.
Trumpet Prelude and Processional
Pomp and Circumstance, Sir Edward Elgar
Call to Commencement
Khalilah Brown-Dean, PhD
Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs
National Anthem
Shelby Bakker, MBA ’23
Greetings
Judy D. Olian, PhD
President
Welcome from the Class of 2023
Cameron James Davignon, MBA ’23
Response of the Class of 2023
Hephzibah Rajan, BS ’23
Introduction of Commencement Speaker
Dr. Tamilla Triantoro
Associate Professor of Business Analytics and Information Systems, Faculty Coordinator of Master's in Business Analytics Program
Commencement Address
Jill Mayer
Chief Executive Officer, Bead Industries
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees and Awards
School of Business: Holly Raider, PhD, Dean
School of Computing and Engineering: Taskin Kocak, PhD, Dean
Conferral of Degrees
Judy D. Olian
Alumni Welcome
Jeanna Doherty ’94
Chair, Alumni Association Board
Recessional
Amor Vittorioso | G. Gastoldi
March | A. Valenti
Jill Mayer
School of Business and School of Computing and Engineering Undergraduate and Graduate Ceremony | Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.
Jill Mayer is the CEO of Bead Industries Inc., a Milford, Connecticut-based company that is comprised of two divisions: Bead Chain and Bead Electronics, and a wholly-owned subsidiary, McGuire Mfg. Company. As its fifth-generation leader, Mayer has built upon the family legacy by transforming the organizational culture through innovation, shared purpose and accountability. A recognized voice in the small-business community, Mayer was named to the National Small Business Association Leadership Council in March. NSBA is the nation’s oldest small-business advocacy organization and operates on a strictly nonpartisan basis. In addition to serving on the executive board of directors for ManufactureCT and the board of Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), Jill is also active in Vistage and Women in Manufacturing. In 2019, she was recognized as one of Connecticut Magazine’s 40 Under 40.
She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont and a Master of Science from Champlain College.
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.
