Castleton Celebrates 227th Commencement
Nearly 500 graduates passed across the stage at Castleton's 227th commencement ceremony on Saturday, bringing to close the 2013-14 academic year. Gary Moore, the Vermont State College's Chairman of the Board of Trustees addressed the more than 3,500 people in attendance and thousands more watching online. Moore spoke about the remarkable growth at Castleton since his time as a student at the school, and urged the graduates to appreciate the difference between "reputation" and "character."
"The circumstances amid which you live determine your reputation; the truth you believe determines your character," Moore stated. "Reputation is made in a moment; character is built in a lifetime," was among the several comparisons Moore made during the stirring address.
As has become tradition, Castleton President, Dave Wolk, began the proceedings with the presentation of three awards. Professor of Sociology, Paul Derby, was awarded the Alumni Association Outstanding Faculty Award which is given annually to the faculty member whose excellence in teaching influences students well beyond graduation. Ryan Ackerman was honored as with the Leonard C.Goldman (’59) Distinguished Senior Award, an annual honor given to the graduating senior who has excelled in and out of the classroom, contributed to community service, and served as an example to others. Finally, Marna Grove, adjunct professor, was awarded the Endowed Outstanding Part-time Faculty Award.
Castleton class President, Eric Dowd, also addressed the standing room only crowd and spoke about how much the class had already accomplished. Dowd drew on his own personal experiences with his family, and brother overcoming obstacles
Once all of the degrees had been conferred, President Wolk brought the day’s largest cheer by exclaiming: “You have made a difference at Castleton. Now go out and make a difference in the world. Ladies and gentlemen… the Class of 2014.”