May 16-17, 2025
2025
Commencement Weekend Events
May 16-17, 2025
Friday, May 16
HONORS CONVOCATION
Harold Alfond Athletic Center 4:00 p.m.
Honors Convocation Speaker
Laurie G. Lachance, M.B.A.
Saturday, May 17
COMMENCEMENT
Harold Alfond Athletic Center
1:00 p.m.
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient
Betsy Biemann, M.P.A.
Honorary Degree Recipients
Charles “Wick” Johnson III
Laurie G. Lachance, M.B.A.
Betsy Biemann, M.P.A.
RECEPTION
Immediately following Commencement on the Ayotte lawn � �
HONORS CONVOCATION
Friday, May 16 at 4:00 p.m.
WELCOME
Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi
President
SPEAKER REMARKS
Laurie G. Lachance, M.B.A.
ALPHA CHI HONOR SOCIETY & PRESENTATION OF STOLES
Dr. Kshanti Greene
Alpha Chi Faculty Representative
Caleb Reissfelder
Alpha Chi President
RECOGNITION OF CLASS SPEAKERS & MARSHALS
Emilee Ireland- Undergraduate Speaker
Molly Rae Sottak- Graduate Speaker
Abby Farone- Class Marshal
Nick Weiss- Class Marshal
RECOGNITION OF MILITARY SERVICE
PRESENTATION OF CLASS HONORS
Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi
President
PRESENTATION OF THOMAS SCHOLAR AWARD
Dr. Alicia McCarthy
Faculty Senate Chair
HONORS CONVOCATION SPEAKER
Laurie G. Lachance, M.B.A.
Thomas College President Emerita
Laurie G. Lachance, Thomas College President Emerita, will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at this year’s Commencement ceremonies. Lachance, Thomas College’s fifth and first female president, served in her role from July 2012 through October 2024, leading the college through a period of significant growth and innovation.
From 2004-2012, Lachance served as President and CEO of the Maine Development Foundation. Prior to MDF, Lachance served three governors as the Maine State Economist, and before joining the state government, she served as the Corporate Economist at Central Maine Power Company. She holds an undergraduate degree from Bowdoin College, an M.B.A. from Thomas College, and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Maine at Presque Isle and from Bowdoin College.
Lachance was inducted into the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame in 2014 and has been the recipient of several awards, including making the Mainebiz NEXT list as a trailblazer in her industry in 2015 and being recognized in 2016 by Maine Magazine as one of the 50 Mainers Charting the State’s Future. In November 2018, Lachance was inducted into the Junior Achievement Maine Business Hall of Fame. In 2022, she received the American Heart Association’s Crystal Heart Award and the Mainebiz Women to Watch.
Most recently, during 2024, Lachance was honored by Educare Central Maine with their inaugural Distinguished Leadership Award, Educate Maine presented her with the Weston L. Bonney Education Leadership Award, and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce gave her the Dirigo Award for her visionary leadership and lasting contributions to Maine.
ALPHA CHI HONOR SOCIETY
The Maine Delta Chapter of Alpha Chi was installed at the College in 1977. This National Honor Society’s main purpose is to promote academic excellence and exemplary character in students enrolled in four-year programs. Membership is limited to the top 10 percent of full-time students classified as juniors and the top 10 percent of full-time students classified as seniors. The minimum cumulative grade point average acceptable for juniors is 3.50 and for seniors is 3.20.
Chloe Rose Bolduc, Sage Marie Brown, Rossalyn Carr Buck , Brittney Allyn Cayford, Jade Alandra Crowell, Parker Jeffrey Desjardins, Sydney Jade Field, Libby Lena Forgues, Grace Virginia Frederick, Liberty Paige Fulton, Miles Justice Gadwah, Alexis Jayde Gibson, Amanda May Grant, Mackenzie Elizabeth Haynes, Avery Wynne Herrick, Shaynne Mary Holmes, Emilee Rebecca Ireland, Hailey D. Licata, Lens Pierre Kency Louis, Olivia Grace Martin, Renee Michelle McDonald, RhiAnnon L. Patrie, Caleb J. Reissfelder, Vanessa Faith Richards, Taylor M. Sullivan, Averi Parker Wallace, Nicholas Lee Weiss, Emily Jane Willson
HONOR CORDS
Presented by Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi
Undergraduate students who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher will be recognized with one of the following honors:
Cum laude
3.20 to 3.49 – Honors (Gold Honor Cord)
Peter Martin Ashley
Julia Grace Baker
Bronwyn Rose Balboni
Jacob Hunter Bigelow
Tyler James Cantey
Tyler Thomas Charest
Ethan Michael Cote
Javier Andre Diaz
Abigail Carol Farone
Tyler Joseph Furtek
Riley Christina Giblin
Lindsay Alli Given
Kaylee Jill Gregoire
Cierra Jean Grover
William Joseph Haas
Carley Autumn Kimball
Tanner Raymond Klasson
Ethan Ryan Loubier
Kristopher William Loubier
Patrick Ryan Moynihan
Tori Ann Parker
Malia Lillian Ranger
Tyler S. Roberge
Jackson Raymond Ruelke
Alexia Shannon
Ashley Lillian Stevens
Matthew Alexander Weir
Keein William Wright
Magna cum laude
3.50 to 3.79 – High Honors (Red Honor Cord)
Nicholas Isaac Alexander
Angelica Avila Rodriguez
Jason Michael Bartlett
Katrina Frances Blachowski
Jacob Thomas Bouchard
Elizabeth Anne Bowman
Emma Mae Brewer
David Ryan Cunningham
Parker Jon Demelia
Seth Alexander Dixon
Kayla Michelle Duhaime
Lindsay Terese Josephine Eisenhart
Owen Thomas Fish
Reid Michael Gagnon
Casey Ryan Gallant
Mara Elizabeth Gentry
Matthew Thomas Gosselin
Isak Jonas Granström
Emily Helin Gutierrez
Bradley William Gwarjanski
Emily Daisy Hagerty
Laura May Holden
Emma May Jefferson
Daniel Johnson
Miles Mason Kirby
Sahara Sky Kubwalo
Savaughn Maria Kungxat
Emily Jane Libby
Hailee Anne Lindelof
Finn Bean Mahan
Teresa Kay McLinden
Sabin Nathanial Merrill
Abel Jude Mitchell
Preston Eli Moody
Jack Adelard Morrill
Parker Evan Morrison
Lindsay Mae Moulton
Donna Rina Marie Nadeau
Cole Neale
Brian Michael Ouellette Jr.
Carter Pelletier
Kyle Nicholas Pelletier
Brennan Faith Pinto
Trinity Jade Randall
Isaac Laurier Roy
Wallace Bryan Savoy
Hunter Pierce Simpson
Brandon R. Smith
Cheyne Pierre Wilmot Smith
Emily Lauren Snyder
Kristin Joanne Staples
Noah Pierce Trent
JJ Vincent
Amy Catherine Viola
Emily Elizabeth Wallingford
Timothy Guy Worster
Metin Mert Yavuz
Summa cum laude
3.80 to 4.00 – Highest Honors
(Red & Gold Honor Cord)
Elena Marie Alderman
Zoe Mae Austin
Chloe Rose Bolduc
Kassidy Mae Brewer
Tyler Brayden Brockway
Sage Marie Brown
Rossalyn Carr Buck
Lydia Madeline-Marie Bussell
Eva Mae Callioras
Brittney Allyn Cayford
Jade Alandra Crowell
Parker Jeffrey Desjardins
Leah Elisabeth Dyer
Riley Elizabeth Enright
Sydney Jade Field
Drew William Foley
Libby Lena Forgues
Grace Virginia Frederick
Liberty Paige Fulton
Luke Henry Gabloff
Miles Justice Gadwah
Alexis Jayde Gibson
Amanda May Grant
Mackenzie Elizabeth Haynes
Benjamin Heath
Jordan Marie Herlihy
Avery Wynne Herrick
Dmitry R. Hodsdon
Shyanne Mary Holmes
Emilee Rebecca Ireland
Eleanor King
Taylor An Xia Lu Krawiecki
Rylee Ann Lagucki
Emma Rae Landry
Samuel Joseph Letarte
Hailey D. Licata
Meygan Allison Longstaff
Lens Pierre Kency Louis
Kaylee Margo Marks
Olivia Grace Martin
Renee Michelle McDonald
Gabriel Philip McPhail
Laban Moindi Nyangau
Diego Eric Palencia
RhiAnnon L. Patrie
Caleb J. Reissfelder
Vanessa Faith Richards
Emily Rae Riggs
Trevin Ritchie
Mitchell Girvan Rounds
Seth Michael Sciacca
Samantha Marie Snow
Taylor M. Sullivan
Shawn Michael Thompson
Averi Parker Wallace
Kayla Weber
Nicholas Lee Weiss
Emily Jane Willson
MILITARY SERVICE RECOGNITION
Students who are current or past members of the U.S. Armed Forces who wish to be acknowledged at Commencement will be given a Red, White, and Blue Honor Cord in recognition of their service.
Miles Justice Gadwah
Alexander Ross Hodgins
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Saturday, May 17 at 1:00 p.m.
PROCESSIONAL
The Anah Highlanders
FACULTY MARSHAL
Dr. Greg King
CLASS MARSHALS
Abby Farone
Nick Weiss
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Rebecca Pushard
FACULTY GREETING
Dr. Alicia McCarthy
UNDERGRADUATE DIVISION SPEAKER
Emilee Ireland
GRADUATE DIVISION SPEAKER
Molly Rae Sottak
CONFERRING OF HONORARY DEGREES
Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa
Charles “Wick” Johnson III
Laurie G. Lachance, M.B.A.
Betsy Biemann, M.P.A.
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
Betsy Biemann, M.PA.
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi
President
Dr. Alicia McCarthy
Faculty Senate Chair
Dr. Katie Rybakova Chair of the Lunder School of Education
Dr. Don Cragen Chair of the H. Allen Ryan School of Business
Dr. John Majewski Chair of the School of Arts & Sciences
Lisa Desautels-Poliquin, M.A. Dean of Student Affairs
Kelley B. Shimansky, '89 Chair of the Board of Trustees
GRATITUDE
Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi
President
WELCOME FROM THE THOMAS COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
BENEDICTION
Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi
RECESSIONAL
The Anah Highlanders �
Commencement Ushers
Aracelis Mason-Pollard, Jesika Vick, Megan Aube, Maddie Rock, Audrey Kimball, Jim Delorie, Ryder Brewer, Chelsea Cote, Zoe Crocker, Calotica Oppong, Lily Rosa, Tamia Tomlinson
HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT
Charles “Wick” Johnson III
Retired President of Kennebec Technologies
Charles “Wick” Johnson, Retired President of Kennebec Technologies, will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at this year’s Commencement ceremonies.
Johnson is the retired President of Kennebec Technologies in Augusta. After graduating from Lafayette College in 1970 Johnson moved to Maine, taught 6th grade for five years and ran a construction company he founded for another five years. In 1982 he joined Kennebec Technologies and was the owner from 1984 until 2016 when the company was sold to the employees through the creation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Over the years Johnson has been involved in both local and statewide activities. He is a long-term member of the Augusta Board of Trade and chaired the Lithgow Library Capital Campaign. He was a long serving member of both the University of Maine System Board of Trustees and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and was chair of each of those Boards. He has served under five Governors in initiatives ranging from Governor King’s Laptop Task Force to the 10 Year Strategic Plan Committee and the Governor’s Covid Recovery Committee under Governor Mills. Johnson has received much recognition for his work. In 2002 he was named the Maine SBA Small Business Person of the Year and in 2023 he was awarded the Peter G. Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award by the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce. He is currently Chair of the Augusta Homelessness Task Force, a member of the Thomas College Board of Trustees and an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church in Augusta.
Laurie G. Lachance, M.B.A.
Thomas College President Emerita
Laurie G. Lachance, Thomas College President Emerita, will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at this year’s Commencement ceremonies. Lachance, Thomas College’s fifth and first female president, served in her role from July 2012 through October 2024, leading the college through a period of significant growth and innovation.
From 2004-2012, Lachance served as President and CEO of the Maine Development Foundation. Prior to MDF, Lachance served three governors as the Maine State Economist, and before joining the state government, she served as the Corporate Economist at Central Maine Power Company. She holds an undergraduate degree from Bowdoin College, an M.B.A. from Thomas College, and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Maine at Presque Isle and from Bowdoin College.
Lachance was inducted into the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame in 2014 and has been the recipient of several awards, including making the Mainebiz NEXT list as a trailblazer in her industry in 2015 and being recognized in 2016 by Maine Magazine as one of the 50 Mainers Charting the State’s Future. In November 2018, Lachance was inducted into the Junior Achievement Maine Business Hall of Fame. In 2022, she received the American Heart Association’s Crystal Heart Award and the Mainebiz Women to Watch.
Most recently, during 2024, Lachance was honored by Educare Central Maine with their inaugural Distinguished Leadership Award, Educate Maine presented her with the Weston L. Bonney Education Leadership Award, and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce gave her the Dirigo Award for her visionary leadership and lasting contributions to Maine.
Betsy Biemann, M.P.A.
Chief Executive Officer at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI)
Betsy Biemann, Chief Executive Officer at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and be this year’s Commencement speaker.
Biemann is Chief Executive Officer at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), a community development financial institution headquartered in Brunswick, Maine.
Prior to joining CEI, Biemann led the Maine Food Cluster Project of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at Harvard University and was a consulting advisor to businesses, nonprofit organizations and social enterprises in Maine and nationally. She previously served for seven years as president of the Maine Technology Institute, which invests in Maine companies and initiatives seeking to grow high-potential sectors of Maine’s economy. Prior to that, she was an associate director at The Rockefeller Foundation in New York City, where she managed a national grant program and impact investment portfolio aiming to increase employment and economic mobility in low-income communities.
Biemann serves on the New Growth Innovation Network board and has served on Governor Mill’s Economic Recovery Committee, the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation board, the Opportunity Finance Network board, the Maine Philanthropy Center board and the Inclusive Economies Working Group of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Biemann graduated with a B.A. from Harvard University and an M.P.A. from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs.
2025 CLASS SPEAKERS
Emilee Ireland
Representing the Undergraduate Division as Class Speaker will be Emilee Ireland. Ireland is from Howland, Maine and is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. After graduation, Ireland plans to pursue her Master of Science in Education degree online from Thomas College while working as a full-time teacher.
Molly Rae Sottak
Representing the Graduate Division as Graduate Class Speaker will be Molly Rae Sottak. Sottak is from Belmont, New Hampshire and is graduating with a Master of Science in Educational Leadership. After graduation, Sottak aims to become an 8th grade English teacher, and eventually become an administrator.
2025 CLASS MARSHALS
Abby Farone
Abby Farone is graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. After graduation, Farone plans to spend her summer working at a preschool and then return back to Thomas College for her Master of Science in Education degree and play her last collegiate year of softball.
Nick Weiss
Nick Weiss is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. After graduation, Weiss plans to return to Thomas College for his in-person M.B.A. and hopes to continue working in the transportation industry.
2025 THOMAS SCHOLARS
Thomas College is honored to present the Thomas Scholar Award to the following six individuals:
Jade Crowell
Jade Crowell, from Greene, Maine, has been named a Thomas Scholar. Crowell is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Business Administration. In her time at Thomas, Crowell was a two-time winner of the Society for Advancement of Management International Collegiate Business Skills Championship. After completing her MBA degree in December, she hopes to work in the management consulting industry.
Libby Forgues
Libby Forgues, from Lewiston, Maine, has been named a Thomas Scholar. Forgues is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Elementary Education. In her time at Thomas, Forgues was a member of the women’s tennis team, Educators Rising Club, intramurals, President Innovation Challenge, Alpha Chi, and worked in the Admissions Office. After graduation, Forgues plans to work as a teacher back home.
Olivia Martin, from Stow, Maine, has been named a Thomas Scholar. Martin is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Secondary Education – English. In her time at Thomas, Martin was an Early Start tutor and the Vice President of Educators Rising. After graduation, Martin hopes to start teaching in her own middle or high school English classroom.
Olivia Martin
Renee McDonald, from Fairfield, Maine, has been named a Thomas Scholar. McDonald is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Business Administration. In her time at Thomas, McDonald was a member of Alpha Chi. After graduation, McDonald plans to work at Smiles for Maine Orthodontics as an Office Manager.
Vanessa Richards, from Winthrop, Maine, has been named a Thomas Scholar. Richards is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Early Childhood Education. In her time at Thomas, Richards was a member of TRIO. After graduation, Richards hopes to find a teaching job close to home.
Taylor Sullivan, from Old Town, Maine, has been named a Thomas Scholar. Sullivan is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Financial Analysis. In her time at Thomas, Sullivan was a peer academic leader and member of Alpha Chi. After graduation, she will be moving to Southern Maine to join Albin, Randall & Bennett as an Associate Accountant.
This award is presented in recognition of outstanding academic achievement at the baccalaureate level. (Red stole with gold embroidery)
Renee McDonald
Vanessa Richards
Taylor Sullivan
ASSOCIATE IN ARTS
Marissa Withee Hayden Knox, ME
ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE
Seth Alexander Dixon, magna cum laude
Kristen Rebecca Douglass
BACHELOR OF ARTS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Elena Marie Alderman, summa cum laude
Nicholas Isaac Alexander, magna cum laude
Arthur Aranda
Peter Martin Ashley, cum laude
Zoe Mae Austin, summa cum laude
Angelica Avila Rodriguez, magna cum laude
Julia Grace Baker, cum laude AX
Bronwyn Rose Balboni, cum laude
Jason Michael Bartlett, magna cum laude
Jacob Hunter Bigelow, cum laude
Katrina Frances Blachowski, magna cum laude
Chloe Rose Bolduc, summa cum laude
Jacob Thomas Bouchard, magna cum laude
Elizabeth Anne Bowman, magna cum laude
Jasmine Bradley
Emma Mae Brewer, magna cum laude
Kassidy Mae Brewer, summa cum laude
Tyler Brayden Brockway, summa cum laude
Sage Marie Brown, summa cum laude AX
Rossalyn Carr Buck, summa cum laude AX
Lydia Madeline-Marie Bussell, summa cum laude
Darren (DJ) John Cagnina Jr.
Eva Mae Callioras, summa cum laude
Tyler James Cantey, cum laude
Brittney Allyn Cayford, summa cum laude AX
Autumn Rose Chabot
Cialy Elizabeth Charbonneau
Tyler Thomas Charest, cum laude
Alia Jeanelle Chasse
T. Clarke
Ethan Michael Cote, cum laude
Andrew Cominoli Cowles
Jade Alandra Crowell, summa cum laude AX
David Ryan Cunningham, magna cum laude
Parker Jon Demelia, magna cum laude
Parker Jeffrey Desjardins, summa cum laude AX
Javier Andre Diaz, cum laude
Mercedes Elizabeth Dorr
Kayla Michelle Duhaime, magna cum laude
Eustis, FL Sidney, ME
Trenton, ME
Belgrade, ME
North Hollywood, CA
Portland, ME
Houlton, ME
Cancun, MX
Brunswick, ME
Bowdoinham, ME
Belfast, ME
Winslow, ME
Randolph, ME
Leeds, ME
Portland, ME
Washington, ME
Augusta, ME
Boothbay, ME Newport, ME
Winslow, ME
Albion, ME
Mapleton, ME
Waterville, ME
South Berwick, ME
Easton, ME
Los Angeles, CA
Waterville, ME
Corinna, ME
Brunswick, ME
Ludlow, MA
Sanford, ME
Stamford, CT
Newport, ME
Belchertown, MA Greene, ME
Oakland, ME
Mechanic Falls, ME
Jackman, ME
East Hampton, CT
Veazie, ME
Ellsworth, ME
Jack Augustus Dwyer
Leah Elisabeth Dyer, summa cum laude
Lindsay Terese Josephine Eisenhart, magna cum laude
Corbin Joseph Eldridge
Onyx Babou Emelo
Riley Elizabeth Enright, summa cum laude
Abigail Carol Farone, cum laude
Sydney Jade Field, summa cum laude AX
Owen Thomas Fish, magna cum laude
Drew William Foley, summa cum laude
Libby Lena Forgues, summa cum laude AX
Van Carl Franklin
Grace Virginia Frederick, summa cum laude AX
Liberty Paige Fulton, summa cum laude AX
Tyler Joseph Furtek, cum laude
Luke Henry Gabloff, summa cum laude
Miles Justice Gadwah, summa cum laude AX
Reid Michael Gagnon, magna cum laude
Casey Ryan Gallant, magna cum laude
Nicholas David Garcia
Mara Elizabeth Gentry, magna cum laude
Riley Christina Giblin, cum laude
Alexis Jayde Gibson, summa cum laude AX
Lindsay Alli Given, cum laude
Matthew Thomas Gosselin, magna cum laude
Isak Jonas Granström, magna cum laude
Amanda May Grant, summa cum laude AX
Kaylee Jill Gregoire, cum laude
Cierra Jean Grover, cum laude
Emily Helin Gutierrez, magna cum laude
Bradley William Gwarjanski, magna cum laude
William Joseph Haas, cum laude
Emily Daisy Hagerty, magna cum laude
Ceileidh Grace Harnum
Mackenzie Elizabeth Haynes, summa cum laude AX
Benjamin Heath, summa cum laude
Jordan Marie Herlihy, summa cum laude
Addyson Smiley Herrick
Avery Wynne Herrick, summa cum laude AX
Dmitry R. Hodsdon, summa cum laude
Laura May Holden, magna cum laude
Shyanne Mary Holmes, summa cum laude AX
Emilee Rebecca Ireland, summa cum laude AX
Hana Isahac
Emma May Jefferson, magna cum laude
Daniel Johnson, magna cum laude
Joshua Joseph
Abigail Kane
Samuel Steven Keblinsky
Carley Autumn Kimball, cum laude
West Springfield, MA
Oakland, ME
Portland, ME
Farmingdale, ME
Brunswick, ME
Skowhegan, ME
Sandown, NH
Waterville, ME
Lisbon Falls, ME
Smyrna, ME
Lewiston, ME
Jacksonville, FL
Skowhegan, ME
Mars Hill, ME
Calais, ME
North Yarmouth, ME
Charleston, ME
Winslow, ME
Augusta, ME
Kingston, MA
Boothbay Harbor, ME
Bristol, CT
Kenduskeag, ME
Waterville, ME
Lewiston, ME
Höellviken, Sweden
Saco, ME
Arundel, ME
Naples, ME
Las Vegas, NV Minot, ME
Brunswick, ME Clinton, ME
Bowmanville, Ontario Canada Holden, ME
Thorndike, ME West Enfield, ME
Dexter, ME
Dexter, ME Belfast, ME
Madison, ME
North Anson, ME
Howland, ME
Columbus, OH
Waterville, ME
Westbrook, ME
Devonshire, Bermuda
Minot, ME
Ellsworth, ME
South Portland, ME
Eleanor King, summa cum laude
Miles Mason Kirby, magna cum laude
Tanner Raymond Klasson, cum laude
Taylor An Xia Lu Krawiecki, summa cum laude
Sahara Sky Kubwalo, magna cum laude
Savaughn Maria Kungxat, magna cum laude
Rylee Ann Lagucki, summa cum laude
Emma Rae Landry, summa cum laude
Joshua Alexander Lane
Samuel Joseph Letarte, summa cum laude
Emily Jane Libby, magna cum laude
Hailey D. Licata, summa cum laude AX
Hailee Anne Lindelof, magna cum laude
Meygan Allison Longstaff, summa cum laude
Ethan Ryan Loubier, cum laude
Kristopher William Loubier, cum laude
Lens Pierre Kency Louis, summa cum laude AX
Finn Bean Mahan, magna cum laude
Kaylee Margo Marks, summa cum laude
Johnathon Michael Martin
Olivia Grace Martin, summa cum laude AX
Renee Michelle McDonald, summa cum laude AX
Teresa Kay McLinden, magna cum laude
Gabriel Philip McPhail, summa cum laude
Sabin Nathanial Merrill, magna cum laude
Abel Jude Mitchell, magna cum laude
Nichelle Raylene Moody
Preston Eli Moody, magna cum laude
Jack Adelard Morrill, magna cum laude
Parker Evan Morrison, magna cum laude
Lindsay Mae Moulton, magna cum laude
Patrick Ryan Moynihan, cum laude
Bradley Mullen
Donna Rina Marie Nadeau, magna cum laude
Rylee Mae Nason
Cole Neale, magna cum laude
MacKenzie Anne Norman
Laban Moindi Nyangau, summa cum laude
Abigail Maria Ortiz
Brian Michael Ouellette, magna cum laude
Diego Eric Palencia, summa cum laude
Tori Ann Parker, cum laude
RhiAnnon L. Patrie, summa cum laude AX
Carter Pelletier, magna cum laude
Kyle Nicholas Pelletier, magna cum laude
Brennan Faith Pinto, magna cum laude
Jordan William Plamondon
Jarrod Stephen Ponder
Joshua Caden Poulin
Andrew R. Pruell
Trinity Jade Randall, magna cum laude
Waterville, ME
Sidney, ME
China, ME
Amherst, NH
Indianapolis, IN
Manchester, NH
Waterville, ME
Fort Kent, ME
Lewiston, ME
Scarborough, ME
Denmark, ME
Skowhegan, ME
Belfast, ME
Norridgewock, ME
Winslow, ME
Winslow, ME
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
New Gloucester, ME
Albion, ME
North Hills, CA
Stow, ME
Fairfield, ME
Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn, NY
Windham, ME
Gray, ME
Durham, ME
Topsham, ME
Winslow, ME
Winthrop, ME
Somerville, ME
Winslow, ME
Amston, CT
Oakland, ME
Augusta, ME
Durham, ME
Bangor, ME Whitefield, NH
Ongata Rongai, Kajiado, Kenya
Livermore Falls, ME
South China, ME
Pittsfield, ME
Sanford, ME
Lewiston, ME
Frenchville, ME
Saco, ME
Langhorne, PA
Pittsfield, ME
Thorndike, ME
Sidney, ME
Warren, ME
Houlton, ME
Malia Lillian Ranger, cum laude
Brady Raymond
Nadia Reeves
Caleb J. Reissfelder, summa cum laude AX
Vanessa Faith Richards, summa cum laude AX
Emily Rae Riggs, summa cum laude
Trevin Ritchie, summa cum laude
Tyler S. Roberge, cum laude
Shane Khaden D'Mitrios Robinson
Brandon Peter Roshto
Mitchell Girvan Rounds, summa cum laude
Isaac Laurier Roy, magna cum laude
Jackson Raymond Ruelke, cum laude
Wallace Bryan Savoy, magna cum laude
Seth Michael Sciacca, summa cum laude
Ankit Shah
Alexia Shannon, cum laude
Stefan Anthony Eugene Simmons
Hunter Pierce Simpson, magna cum laude
Brandon R. Smith, magna cum laude
Cheyne Pierre Wilmot Smith, magna cum laude
Heather Smith
Samantha Marie Snow, summa cum laude
Emily Lauren Snyder, magna cum laude
Seb Soto
Kristin Joanne Staples, magna cum laude
Ashley Lillian Stevens, cum laude
Joseph Beyden Stratton
Taylor M. Sullivan, summa cum laude AX
Elise Syphers
Ryan Matthew Thibault
Shawn Michael Thompson, summa cum laude
Ben Tilton
Gavin Charles Tower
Noah Pierce Trent, magna cum laude
JJ Vincent, magna cum laude
Amy Catherine Viola, magna cum laude
Averi Parker Wallace, summa cum laude AX
Emily Elizabeth Wallingford, magna cum laude
Victoria Ann Watkins
Lucy Margaret Watson
Kayla Weber, summa cum laude
Matthew Alexander Weir, cum laude
Nicholas Lee Weiss, summa cum laude AX
Grace Weymouth
Evan Wilcox
Jarrad Joseph Willette
Emily Jane Willson, summa cum laude AX
Timothy Guy Worster, magna cum laude
Keein William Wright, cum laude
Metin Mert Yavuz, magna cum laude
Farmington, ME
Biddeford, ME
Wilton, ME
Lewiston, ME
Winthrop, ME
Solon, ME
Greene, ME
North Hero, VT
Devonshire, Bermuda
Houlton, ME
Chester, VT
West Paris, ME
Belmont, NH
Pleasant Ridge, ME
Milford, NH
Houston, TX
Montpelier, VT
Southhampton, BM
Etna, ME
Anson, ME
St. George, Bermuda
Newport, ME
Portland, ME
Hope, ME
Mexico City, Mexico
Belfast, ME
Frenchville, ME
Thornton, NH
Old Town, ME
Auburn, ME
Greene, ME
Detroit, ME
Catonsville, VT
Rockland, ME
Kittery, ME
Bridgton, ME
Scarborough, ME
Richmond, ME
Minot, ME
Orland, ME
Windham, ME
Little Egg Harbor, NJ
Westbrook, ME
Winslow, ME Canaan, ME
Farmington, ME
Concord, NH
Sabattus, ME
Mount Vernon, ME
Burlington, ON, Canada
Istanbul, Turkey
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Logan Alexander, B.S., Thomas College
Lauryn Michelle Anderson, B.S., Thomas College
Nicholas Barber, B.S., Thomas College
Brianne Michelle Benecke, B.A., Thomas College
Valerie Minkala, B.S., University of Maine Augusta
Maximilian Bojarski, B.S., Thomas College
Mariena Elizabeth Bragg, B.S., Thomas College
Jordan Matthew Brooke, B.S., Thomas College
Aria Brunner, B.S., Thomas College
Justin Jean Bulmer, B.S., Thomas College
Nicole Terese Caprara, B.S., University of Southern Maine
Lucas Giacomo Christiani, B.S., University of Oregon
Colby Combs, B.S., Thomas College
Sharon Marie Coolen, B.A., University of Maine Augusta
Caleb E. Daigneault, B.S., Thomas College
Elizabeth S. Danner, B.S., University of Maine
Evan William DeMott, B.S., Thomas College
Sawyer Raymond Deprey, B.S., Thomas College
Mary Grace DiSanto, B.S., Thomas College
Jacob J. Douthwright, B.A., Thomas College
Parker Robert Foley, B.S., Thomas College
John William Gibson, B.S., University of Maine Farmington
Amanda Lee Gullifer, B.S., University of Maine Farmington
Halle Sue Ham, B.S., University of Maine Fort Kent
Corbin Hamm, B.S., Thomas College
Brooke E. Haskell, B.A., Saint Anselm College
Alexander Ross Hodgins, B.S., Thomas College
Lucas Ryan Jordan, B.S., Thomas College
Philip David Joseph, B.S., University of Southern Maine
Eleanor King, B.S., Thomas College
Mary Jean LaRochelle, B.S., Thomas College
Marissa Laurendeau, B.S., Thomas College
Adam Lerette, B.S., Thomas College
Eric Julius Magiera, B.A., Fitchburg State College
Nicholas Edward Magiera, B.S., Thomas College
Daniel Michael May, B.S., Thomas College
Haley Marie McIntyre, B.S., Thomas College
Hailey J. Mealey, B.A., University of Maine Farmington
Ruth Gabrielle Merrill, B.S., Thomas College
Antonio Meza, B.S., Thomas College
Garrett Matthew Mollica, B.S., Thomas College
Cameron Cole Oxley, B.S., Thomas College
Belgrade, ME
Corinna, ME China, ME Oakland, ME Oakland, ME Brunswick, ME Washburn, ME Augusta, ME Westbrook, ME Auburn, ME Winthrop, ME Ontario, OR Waldoboro, ME Unity, ME Cornville, ME Waterville, ME Waterville, ME Caribou, ME South Portland, ME Augusta, ME Newport, ME Oakland, ME New Sharon, ME Richmond, TX Levant, ME Winslow, ME Orrington, ME Waltham, ME Waterville, ME Waterville, ME Woolwich, ME Acton, ME Fairfield, ME Casco, ME Casco, ME Honolulu, HI Cape Elizabeth, ME Farmington, ME Ashland, NH Sun Valley, CA Turner, ME Holden, ME
Garrison George Paillet, B.S., Thomas College
Makayla Elizabeth Panich, B.S., Thomas College
Seth Michael Reed, B.A., University of Maine Farmington
Matthew Eric Seymour, B.S., Thomas College
Luke C. Shorty, M.S., Montana State University
Ashley Lillian Stevens, B.S., Thomas College
Wyatt Dean Thompson, B.S., Thomas College
Shawn Michael Von Oesen, B.S., Thomas College
Camryn Irene Wahl, B.S., Thomas College
Kristiana Aaliyah Washington, B.S., Thomas College
Amanda Laurie Winslow, B.S., Thomas College
Camryn T. Yorke, B.S.B.A., Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Coconut Creek, FL
Windham, NH
Waterville, ME
Old Town, ME
Winthrop, ME
Frenchville, ME
Orillia, ON Unity, ME
Kingfield, ME Brunswick, ME
Mapleton, ME Auburn, ME
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY
Jordan Elizabeth McRae Clatchey-Knopp, B.S., University of Maine Augusta
Neima Ahmed Houssein, B.S., University of Maine Farmington
Gregory Thomas McCarthy, B.S., University of Massachusetts Lowell
Kaitlyn Angelina Paul, B.S., Thomas College
Linda J. Sanders, B.S., University of Maine Farmington
Donald William Wetmore, B.S., Thomas College
Winslow, ME
Portland, ME
Topsham, ME
Livermore Falls, ME
Wilton, ME
Oakville, CT
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CYBERSECURITY
Malachi Harris, B.S., Thomas College
Gretchen Nelson, B.S., University of Maine
Kegan Drake Rodrigue, B.S., Thomas College
Tyler Anthony Smith, B.S., Thomas College
Cameron James Todd, B.S., Thomas College
Aaron H. Young, B.S., Thomas College
Jackson, ME Canaan, ME Auburn, ME
Prospect, CT
Chebeague Island, ME Dobbs Ferry, NY
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION
Scott A. Bowden, B.S., University of Maine Farmington
Madison Shaw Bradbury, B.S., Thomas College
Adam Lysander Canfield, B.S., Dean College
Alyssa Victoria Doughty, B.S., Thomas College
Kiara Ann Goggin, B.A., Thomas College
Jenni Mae Greenlaw, B.S., University of Maine Farmington
Sarena Renee Haynie, B.S., St. Michael’s College
Emma Kathryn Huntley, B.S., Thomas College
Jenna M. LaRock, B.S., Thomas College
Molly Ann Littlefield, B.S., Thomas College
Julia Helen Reny, B.S., Thomas College
Molly Rae Sottak, B.S., Thomas College
Joy Angela West, B.S., University of Maine Farmington
Waterville, ME
New Gloucester, ME Fryeburg, ME Hollis, ME
West Gardiner, ME
Oakland, ME Embden, ME Skowhegan, ME Mercer, ME Oxford, ME Gardiner, ME
Belmont, NH Bingham, ME
ACADEMIC MACE AND BATONS
The academic mace and batons are part of a tradition that dates to the medieval era when an armed guard would enforce order at ceremonial academic events. Today the mace symbolizes a more peaceful purpose: authority, strength, and leadership. On occasions when faculty are assembled in formal academic dress, the academic mace is traditionally carried during the processional and then fixed in a prominent, visible position for the duration of the event.
Thomas College’s academic mace was crafted in 2012 by master wood carver George Gunning from Windsor, Maine, and is made entirely from woods native to Maine. Because Waterville was known for its many elm trees and is referred to as the “Elm City,” the base of the mace is crafted from Red Elm. Butternut wood forms the shaft of the mace, and Rock Maple augments the decorative design and purpose.
Student class marshals at Thomas are elected each year by a vote of the undergraduate student body. Class marshals are equipped with batons to signify their role in guiding students on their last steps prior to receiving their degrees. The batons for the Thomas College marshals are designed by Dave Snyder Custom Woodworking in Pittsfield, Maine. Dave designs his custom pieces from the finest quality wood resources. His first batons for Thomas class marshals appeared at the 2022 commencement ceremonies. Dave and his wife created their workshop in their refurbished 1900 barn in Pittsfield and outfitted it with a 1944 Delta Milwaukee lathe that they purchased in Limerick, Maine. The batons are used solely at commencement and then are gifted to the student marshals in recognition of their role in the ceremony.
PRESIDENTIAL MEDALLION
The President’s medallion symbolizes the authority and responsibility of the President and is typically gifted at the Presidential Inauguration, signaling the beginning of a newly appointed tenure in office. Like the academic mace, the President’s medallion is part of any ceremony involving academic regalia.
The Thomas College medallion, featuring the Presidential Seal, was unveiled on April 11, 2025 at the Inauguration of President Jeannine Diddle Uzzi.
ACADEMIC HERALDRY
CAPS
A black mortarboard or Oxford type of cap is usually worn. A soft cap resembling an oversize beret is usually reserved for doctors, but certain universities use a gold tassel to distinguish a doctor’s cap instead.
The tassel should be draped over the left front of the cap for graduate students. Tradition in some schools requires the changing of the tassel from the right to the left at the end of the ceremony for undergraduate students.
GOWNS
The bachelor’s simple black gown falls in a straight line from a fairly elaborate yoke and has long, pointed sleeves. There is no adornment, although a few institutions do permit a piping of the school color on the yoke.
Until 1960, the master’s gown had long sleeves with slots at the elbow for the arms. The rest of the sleeve dangled and ended at the knee in a square edge, into which a semi-circle was cut. In 1960, this gown was modified, and an opening was made at the wrist.
The doctor’s elaborate gown is either completely made of velvet or has velvet panels around the neck and down the front with three velvet bars on its bellshaped sleeves. It has a fuller cut than the other two gowns. Paneling and bars may be in color to indicate the faculty or degree. A few universities permit the doctor’s entire gown to be in color.
HOODS
The distinguishing color of the hood tells the most about the wearer. Bachelor’s hoods are three feet long, while master’s are three and one-half feet, and doctor’s are four feet. Hoods are lined in silk with the official colors of the institution granting the degree. Bindings on the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s hoods are two, three, and five inches in width, respectively. The color of the binding indicates the area of study in which the degree was granted.
THOMAS COLLEGE HOOD COLORS
Brown- Master of Science in Business
Yellow- Master of Science in Criminology & Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Light Blue- Master of Science in Education
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Kelley B. Shimansky, ’89, B.S. Chair
Robin Goodwin, ’90, M.B.A. First Vice-Chair
David C. Pease
Second Vice-Chair
Brian J. King, ’93
Secretary & Clerk of the Corporation
Conrad L. Ayotte, ’77, B.S., M.B.A., C.P.A., D.S.B.A.
James A. Doyle, B.A.
William M. Dubay, ’72, B.S.
Holly D. Ferguson, C.P.A.’95, M.B.A. ’96
Robin Goodwin, B.S., M.B.A., ’90
Michelle T. Hayes ’81, ‘83
Charles “Wick” Johnson III
Meredith H. Jones, B.S., L.H.D.
Brian J. King ‘93
Danielle K. Marquis ’99
Robert M. Moore, Jr. ‘79
David C. Pease
Dorcas B. Riley, B.A., C.P.A.
Kelley B. Shimansky, B.S. ’89
Richard F. Spellman, B.A., M.B.A. ’80
Jeannine Diddle Uzzi, Ph.D.
Kenneth P. Viens, B.A., M.B.A. CFP®
Shelby N. Watson ’16, M.B.A. ’17
Trustee Emeriti
Douglas L. Cutchen H’09
Dr. James W. Hennigar H’03
Susan B. Lavenson H’94
Susan S. Roche
