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Celebrating the WilmU Class of 2022

Unstoppable amid a global pandemic, family obligations, numerous challenges, and uncertainties

On May 22 and 23, 2022, Wilmington University awarded more than 2,400 academic degrees during its 51st Commencement ceremonies at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.

Graduates ranged in age from 18 to 73 and hailed from more than 80 countries, representing Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America. With a turn of the tassel, they proudly joined a growing WilmU alumni network of more than 65,000 members.

Commencement addresses given by graduating students emphasized themes of determination and persistence and recalled the support and guidance received from caring faculty and staff.

Dr. Lakeisha Mathews, who graduated with a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership, reflected on the challenging journeys that she and her fellow graduates endured throughout the pandemic. “We read a plethora of books and journal articles. We diligently listened to lectures, podcasts, and TED Talks, and as a result, we have proven ourselves intellectually worthy of the credentials being bestowed on us today … However, our feats do not stop there. We have not only proven ourselves to be scholars, but we have also proven ourselves to be survivors who completed our educations during a global pandemic.”

Jackson Brandwene celebrated his Bachelor of Science degree in Law, Policy, and Political Science. A student-athlete for the Wildcats’ soccer team, Brandwene completed his degree in just over two years instead of four, with a 3.98 GPA.

The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native emphasized the importance of questioning the status quo and asking the right questions. “The world will not wait for us to feel prepared or to come across critical answers,” he said. “It is our duty to find the right answers, but first, we must find the right questions. Thanks to Wilmington University’s incredible faculty and staff, and the support of those around us, we are far better prepared to ask the right questions and craft a better future for generations to come.”

Jessica Purdy, who earned a B.S. in Liberal Studies, reflected on the collective strengths of this year’s graduates. “Personally, being an international student-athlete started as a daunting prospect, but I’m delighted I trusted WilmU with this. Because of the challenges we have faced throughout our academic journeys, we have learned to focus on the positive aspects and view the negative simply as trials. We are resilient, hardworking, and determined to keep striving for the best. That is how I want the Class of 2022 to be remembered.”

Maintaining their studies during a world crisis, the Class of 2022 certainly faced difficulties. But they persevered, chased their dreams, defeated the odds, and, indeed, became unstoppable.

“Commencement is always meaningful to us,” notes University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon. “Seeing our graduates come together, knowing that they reached their goals despite the pandemic, made it truly special. During their time with us, many were working, raising children, supporting their communities, and finding ways to juggle their obligations and schoolwork. We are so proud of our graduates and wish them the best in their next chapters.”

Commencement Speakers:

Jackson Brandwene, B.S. in Law, Policy & Political Science Dr. Angelica Carter, Doctor of Business Administration Dr. Robert Gregor Jr., Doctor of Nursing Practice Victoria Grubowski, B.S. in Health Sciences Dr. Lakeisha Mathews, Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership Robert McManus, M.S. in Cybersecurity Elena Mingioni, dual-degree, M.S. in Nursing & MBA Jessica Purdy, B.S. in Liberal Studies Dr. Michele L. Warch, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

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