Paleontologist Unearths Wisdom for Historic Beacon Graduating Class
By Richard Burnett
On a clear day distinguished by laughter, tears, cheers, and soaring exhortations, Beacon College graduates took a victory walk in May as the record-setting Class of 2024 took its place in the college’s history.
The Class of ’24 encompassed 120 graduates — the largest class since Beacon’s founding 35 years ago. They were the first to have their entire collegiate careers unfold in the Covid Era. As they overcame the pandemic challenges, they also contributed to Beacon’s growth as the nation’s first accredited college for students with ADHD and other learning differences.
“You’ve been remarkable members of this community; you’ve been trailblazers and innovators, and you’ve set standards for this institution that are at the highest level,” President Dr. George Hagerty said at the 34th commencement on May 11. “You not only lived through covid, but you were here at a time of new horizons for our college.”
He noted some of those new horizons, such as the creation of the popular Dining Commons, renovation of the student activity center, and career development center expansion, to Beacon’s rising profile in the U.S. News college rankings.
“The difference you have made right here in this community, and the difference you’ll make in the future is going to be extraordinary,” he said. “You have lived in a time of extraordinary challenges, and you have prevailed.”
Degrees Awarded
72
Bachelor of Science
23
Bachelor of Arts
11
Associate of Science
14
Associate of Arts
Broken out by degree, the college awarded 72 bachelors of science, 23 bachelors of arts, 14 associates of arts, and 11 associates of science, according to registrar Carrie Santaw. The most awarded majors were computer information systems (26), anthrozoology (24), and business management (20).
‘What we celebrate today’
For Dr. Daniel Averbeck, chair of Beacon’s Board of Trustees and a member since its founding, the college’s progress has been no less than stunning. In his remarks to the class, he recalled the early days, when some in the community doubted if the school would survive.
“But look at us today! Over the last decade or more, the campus and the entire Beacon experience have been transformed,” Averbeck said. “But more importantly, look at you now. You’ve been transformed from doubters to believers. So that’s what we really celebrate today.”
In their speeches, Beacon’s five co-valedictorians (each posting a 4.0 GPA) reflected on their journey from learning adversity to the fulfillment of college success. They included Tyler Asencion, Helen Chinn, Vincent Ferdock, Zachary Murray, and Ryan Sleboda.
“Yes, starting college during a pandemic was tough, but my fellow graduates and I had faced many difficulties our whole lives,” said Sleboda, who received a bachelor’s in anthrozoology. “Every day we have met challenges head on, proving our resilience.”
Achieving ‘impossible’ things
They spoke with humility and humor: “The reason I am standing here is not just because of my own hard work, natural intellect, pure luck, or dazzling charisma (audience laughs),” said Ferdock, who received a bachelor’s in psychology and human services. “But rather the hard work of dozens of people over my entire lifetime. Please believe me when I say that this achievement is truly not my own.”
“If you had told me four years ago that I’d be speaking to you today, I wouldn’t have believed you. I probably would have shoved you right out of the door (laughter),” said Murray, who received a bachelor’s in web and digital media. “For the last four years, Beacon has pushed me and I have thrived in this wonderful community. I have achieved things I wouldn’t have thought would have been possible.”
For Asencion (bachelor’s in business management and computer information systems), as satisfying as it was to be a valedictorian, it was just as important to recognize “the whole captivating class of 2024, which is full of awe-inspiring individuals. My message to you all — the graduates and underclassmen, alike — is to pursue your dreams, bring joy to your loved ones, and subdue what lies ahead.”
“As classmates, we share a very special bond,” said Chinn, who received a bachelor’s in business management and hospitality. “Most of us at one point prior to coming to Beacon, were told we could not achieve certain goals. But we never gave up. We believed in ourselves, and thankfully, our families and Beacon did too. Because of the obstacles we overcame, this accomplishment is extra sweet for us.”
‘Keep believing in yourself’
Beacon’s 2024 honorary doctorate recipients — world-renowned paleontologist John “Jack” Horner (technical adviser for early “Jurassic Park” movies) and Dr. Richard O. Williams, microbiologist, biotech venture consultant, autism researcher, and former chair of Beacon’s board — also spoke about the tremendous potential of individuals with learning differences.
“Because of Beacon, you now know the best way that you learn,” said Williams, whose daughter was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and graduated from Beacon in 2002. “Keep that knowledge, exercise it, and follow your dreams. I’m thankful for Beacon. The college is nothing less than an extremely personal experience for me and one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life. It is categorically a remarkable place.”
Horner, who himself has dyslexia, told Beacon graduates that, in the past, he has spoken to commencements at mainstream colleges:
“My message to them has always been this — that their competition when they graduate from college will be people like you,” said Horner, author of more than eight books and 100 professional papers. “Seriously, that’s because people from other schools are not resilient. They have not faced challenges like you have. You know what failure is and how to get past it. You have such an advantage. All you need to do is keep believing in yourself and you will succeed.”