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University of Bridgeport Honors 2023 Graduates at 113th Commencement Ceremonies

by Peter Decoteau

Bridgeport, CT (05/11/2023) — On Saturday, May 6, 2023, University of Bridgeport (UB) hosted its 113th commencement ceremonies at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, CT. The sunny weekend weather was complemented by the cheerful spirit of the event, as a sizeable crowd of family, friends, and UB faculty and staff members gathered to celebrate the 889 graduates of the University of Bridgeport class of 2023.

In two successive ceremonies, undergraduate and graduate students eagerly crossed the amphitheater stage as they accepted their diplomas. In total, 340 undergraduate degrees and 549 graduate-level degrees were conferred. Both ceremonies opened with lively processionals by UB Steel, the University's steel drum band, after which members of the school's music department performed the National Anthem. Following opening remarks by University President Danielle Wilken, Board of Trustees Chair Ann B. Clark, and Bridgeport Mayor Joseph P. Ganim (undergraduate only), each ceremony progressed to its Student Commencement Address.

The undergraduate Address was delivered by Kiana-Edith Robinson. A focused and driven Accounting major, Robinson spent her undergraduate years taking honors classes, working and volunteering on campus, and competing on UB's NCAA Division II softball team. The graduate Student Commencement Address was delivered by Nicole Caruso, a master's in Public Health (MPH) graduate with a concentration in Global Health. Having begun her MPH with a background in Dental Hygiene, Caruso worked and volunteered her services as a dental hygienist while earning her advanced degree in Public Health.

Following each respective Student Commencement Address, former UConn Basketball Coach Jim Calhoun offered his remarks. Recounting his journey from a full-time stonecutter to a renowned basketball coach, Calhoun offered a simple but powerful message - while you may not graduate college with the job of your dreams, beginning every day with a positive outlook can help you achieve your long-term goals. "Win every day," Calhoun encouraged the graduates.

The Commencement Address was then delivered by Dr. Trisha Bailey, who shared an inspirational story of hope and resilience. During the early years of Bailey's life, she faced many challenges. However, her greatest obstacle presented itself after a month-long coma, which left Bailey disabled. Initially unable to move or speak, she found strength in adversity - using tragedy to find her true calling as an advocate for the disabled and differently abled.

Together, Bailey's and Calhoun's speeches formed a cohesive message for UB's graduates - adversity is inevitable, but it does not define us. Instead, the pair encouraged the class of 2023 to find meaning in triumph and perseverance. Carrying this positive message forward, Provost Manyul Im presented the degree candidates, after which the degrees were proudly conferred by President Wilken. To close the festivities, William Moran provided a greeting on behalf of the Alumni Association. Participants joined in the alma mater song before UB Steel ended the Commencement with its closing Recessional.

For more information about University of Bridgeport's commencement ceremonies, visit www.bridgeport.edu/commencement.

Media Attachments

Undergraduate Commencement speaker Kiana-Edith Robinson addresses University of Bridgeport's class of 2023. Photo provided by University of Bridgeport.

Members of University of Bridgeport's class of 2023 celebrate at the 2023 Commencement. Photo provided by University of Bridgeport.

Undergraduate Commencement speaker Kiana-Edith Robinson addresses University of Bridgeport's class of 2023. Photo provided by University of Bridgeport.

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