Woodbury College Holds Fall Graduation Ceremonies
Author, Civic Facilitator Susan Clark Delivers Graduation Speech
Montpelier, Vt.-On Saturday, September 10, 2005, Woodbury College held its
2005 Graduation Ceremony at U-32 High School in Montpelier. A total of 46
students received degrees and certificates in the fields of mediation and
conflict management, paralegal and legal studies, prevention and community
development, and interdisciplinary studies.
Noted Vermont author and civic facilitator Susan Clark delivered this
year's graduation speech, "WD 40 and Duct Tape: Rediscovering the Secrets
of Community." Clark described the sense of neighborliness and connection
(symbolized by duct tape) that help Vermont's diverse communities adhere
together. But she emphasized that even more important was Vermonters'
tradition of tolerance and respect (symbolized by WD-40) that smooth our
interactions and help our citizens work together through difficult times.
Clark noted that through its programs in community development,
facilitation. Law and mediation, Woodbury College is graduating community
members ideally equipped to strengthen communities - critical in today's
troubled world."
Woodbury College President Larry Mandell also spoke to the assembled
graduates and their families. Noting that this is Woodbury's 30th
anniversary, President Mandell also reminded graduates of the significance
of their accomplishment at Woodbury.
"Sometimes when I'm talking with people, they tell me that they wish they
had someone in their town who was a Woodbury graduate. What they are
saying is that Woodbury grads have a strong sense of community, about
caring about one another. As you return to your towns with new skills
and knowledge, also bring with you your understanding of the importance
of community. Your neighbors will appreciate it and your town will be
better off because of it."
Woodbury College offers Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees as
well as Certificate Programs. For nearly 30 years Woodbury has been
helping adults change their lives, and help their communities at the same
time. Woodbury is unique in its strong emphasis on practice-based higher
education for adults to ensure that graduates achieve both academic
excellence and actual experience in their fields. Woodbury offers a
challenging but supportive learning environment for students to prepare
for fulfilling new careers in mediation, human services, prevention,
community development, paralegal, pre-law, advocacy, and conflict
management.
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Woodbury College Holds Fall Graduation Ceremonies
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