Burlington College President Christine Plunkett announced today that William J Stenger, owner of Jay Peak Resort, will deliver the commencement address at Burlington College. Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 18, on the North Lawn of the main campus. Stenger will also receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
We are honored that Bill has agreed to deliver our commencement address," President Plunkett says, "Through his efforts at Jay Peak and in the surrounding communities, he is contributing significantly to the economic revitalization of the Northeast Kingdom.
Born in Corning, NY, to a family with deep roots at the Corning Glass Works, Stenger has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Jay Peak, Inc. since July 2008. He serves as Chairman of Vermont Ski Areas Association and Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed to serve on the Governor's Council of Economic Advisors and serves as a Member of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development Advisory Council. He is the 2006 recipient of the Martha H. O'Connor Award for Private Citizen Contribution to Public Education. Mr. Stenger earned an Associate of Science Degree from Corning Community College and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Syracuse University, where he studied Political Science and Public Administration.
Bill was the first in his family to attend college, and therefore understands the importance of educating Vermont's "first generation" students and preparing them for careers in the state, says Plunkett. This is a notion that will resonate with Burlington College students, and we look forward to his comments.
Senator Patrick Leahy and Alumnus Jeff Howlett '94, '10 will be honored.
Senator Leahy, a Vermont native, was elected to the US Senate in 1974. A graduate of St. Michaels College (1961), he received his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in1964. He is the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. He ranks first in seniority in the Senate and is the President Pro Tempore. Senator Leahy will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws.
Jeff Howlett is a 1994 and 2010 alumnus of the College with a concentration in Film Production. He is the co-director of the music documentary "A Band Called Death," which won Audience Choice in the Vermont International Film Festival. The film will premiere in theaters on June 28th. Howlett will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award.
ABOUT BURLINGTON COLLEGE
Burlington Colleges educational philosophy is deeply rooted in student-centered learning and active citizenship. Founded in 1972 as the Vermont Institute of Community Involvement, the College has from its origin focused on integrating learning, personal development, and community engagement. We honor the individuality of each student, emphasize the relationship between education and experience, and create meaningful connections between the academic institution and the surrounding community. For more information on Burlington College, call 802-862-9616, or visit the College website at www.burlington.edu
Bill Stenger of Jay Peak Named Burlington College’s 2013 Commencement Speaker
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on