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This year marked the largest graduating class in the history of Salve Regina University. In all, Sister M. Therese Antone, president, conferred 682 degrees beneath the tent on the oceanside lawn of McAuley Hall, including 480 bachelor's degrees, 168 master's degrees, 27 certificates of advanced graduate studies, and seven doctorates in philosophy.
This year also marked Sister Therese's last commencement as president, a position she has served since 1994, She will transition into a new role as university chancellor on June 30.
To honor her for her service, the Salve Regina community surprised her by awarding her with the Regina Medal, its highest honor, at the close of this morning's commencement ceremonies. First given in 1960 on the occasion of the 10th Commencement, the Regina Medal recognizes outstanding individuals whose spirituality, sense of responsibility and cultural leadership exemplify the ideals of Salve Regina University. Sister Therese is the 11th recipient of this, the university's highest honor.
"Fifteen years ago, Sister M. Therese Antone, you began your tenure as president telling us a fable of stone soup," said New York Times President Janet L. Robinson, vice chair of Salve Regina's Board of Trustees, who read from the Regina Medal citation. "You asked the University community to bring openness, intellectual curiosity, a commitment to teaching, a willingness to explore new ideas, and support for Salve Regina's educational mission in a changing world. We listened. We responded.
"Far more than anyone imagined, your seemingly simple story inspired a great sea of change," she said, "a metamorphosis of your alma mater. Under your astute leadership, the University's growth is well under way as an exceptional center of learning, supported by intellectual strength and academic achievement.
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Sister M. Therese Antone presided over her final commencement as president of Salve Regina. She will become university chancellor on July 1. |
