Emily G. Hartford ’23 & Bridget Ryan ’23 Present Class Gifts at Commencement

We would first like to congratulate the Class of 2023 on making it to this day through all of the challenges that have been thrown our way! Before announcing the gift, we would like to thank our fellow members on the committee: Christy Bogan, Stephen Cobbs, Elizabeth Jalette, Austin Nunez, Marlee Peterson, and Laurie Storlazzi for their time and dedication. Lastly, we would also like to express our extreme gratitude to Lisa Richards for her constant support through this process.

This year, the Class of 2023 is primarily donating to three Stonehill initiatives: the Bridge Fund, the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice, and the General Scholarship Fund. From its inauguration in 2016, the Bridge Fund has increasingly supported students by alleviating some of the financial hardships faced. The Bridge Fund has grown immensely from supporting just nine students in its inaugural year to more than 30 students each year starting in 2021. Additionally, the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice has provided an outlet for students to not only learn and understand social justice, but to also put their passions into action to fulfill the Stonehill mission of creating a more just and compassionate world. The Center has continuously supported student curiosity through events such as guest lectures to holding its first undergraduate conference this semester, with presenters from across the United States. Lastly, we have chosen the General Scholarship Fund to ensure that future students continue to receive the financial support that has been instrumental in the access to an education at Stonehill. Education is the key to fulfilling our goals, and we hope to ensure this opportunity for future Skyhawks as well. 

By donating to these "3 for ’23" initiatives, we hope that Stonehill students continue to face the unexpected challenges with the support that we have received throughout our time here, ensuring that the Stonehill community that has supported us through our endeavors continues beyond our time here. 

Once again, thank you all for your hard work and dedication to make it to this day. Congratulations to each and every one of you. We hope you are proud of all you have accomplished so far, and we cannot wait to see what you accomplish in your future careers as well!