Rivier University honors achievements of 2021 graduates at 86th Commencement

The University celebrated its 86th Commencement on May 17, awarding 607 degrees to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree graduates. The event was held outside at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester.

“To the graduating Class of 2021, you are proof positive that the mission of Rivier University—transforming hearts and minds to serve the world—has taken root. Congratulations on your achievement. Congratulations on a day that marks both a formal conclusion and a new beginning,” said Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM, President.

Student speaker Libby Machakos of New Boston, New Hampshire, earned her B.A. in Sociology, summa cum laude. She spoke with pride of her fellow graduates’ resiliency in the face of adversity. “To get to where you sit today took a significant amount of perseverance, focus, sacrifice, and hard work … Even when it seemed like the world was falling apart, we persisted. As the Class of 2021, we represent the next generation of doctors, nurses,

teachers, and entrepreneurs.”

Favour Ayuk Tangban, an international student from Wuse Abuja, Nigeria, earned her Master of Education in School Counseling and spoke on behalf of graduate students. She addressed the shared mission of service embraced by the University and its graduates. “Rivier is a university that serves its community wholeheartedly. I am proud to be a part of an institution that transforms hearts and minds to serve the world, while generously leading by example. During the global pandemic, Rivier provided support for its students and partnered with the United Way of Greater Nashua and other organizations to provide essential supplies for those in need. In such a troubling time, Rivier University showed us that surrendering to service is the most human thing to do.”

The ceremony was livestreamed and can be viewed at www.rivier.edu/commencementlivestream.