2023

Muhlenberg in Photos: Commencement for Schools of Graduate and Continuing Studies

The fall commencement ceremony on campus honored adult learners as well as some of the first students to earn master’s degrees from Muhlenberg.

By: Shane Baglini  Wednesday, November 1, 2023 02:56 PM

Photos by Tom Amico

On Saturday, October 14, the Muhlenberg College community gathered in Egner Memorial Chapel to celebrate the graduates of the School of Graduate Studies and the School of Continuing Studies.

Muhlenberg President Kathleen Harring presented degrees to 13 students in Muhlenberg’s bachelor of business administration program, with concentrations in business administration and health-care management, and six master’s degrees to students in the organizational leadership program. 

The ceremony, taking place on a rainy Saturday, featured keynote speaker Hasshan Batts, D.H.Sc., of Promise Neighborhoods Lehigh Valley. Batts, a faculty member in Muhlenberg’s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging graduate certificate program, encouraged graduates to use their education and networks to impact their communities. He paraphrased the musician Jay-Z, saying, “The most genius thing that we did was we never gave up.” Batts connected with the journey adult and continuing learners must tackle to achieve their goals: “The only reason I am standing here,” he said, “is because it took me eight years to earn my bachelor’s. So I understand the hard work.”

Batts

Graduate student speaker Tracey Matthews stuck with the musical theme, drawing inspiration from Bruce Springsteen to impart wisdom to her classmates. She recounted fulfilling a lifelong dream of seeing The Boss in concert recently and marveled at his enthusiasm for his craft. Moreover, she learned a valuable lesson in leadership from Springsteen that day. “I found out that he splits the money earned for each show equally with all members of his band,” said Matthews. “These people are not just his backup band; they are family, and he recognizes the value they each add to his shows, another significant quality in a great leader.”

Matthews

Undergraduate student speaker Lauryn Graves recounted the new colleagues, connections and friendships she gained at Muhlenberg in addition to her degree: “I can't help but marvel at the unique camaraderie that emerges when people come together to pursue a common goal,” said Graves. “Our cohorts were the lifeline and support system we needed to get us through challenging times, especially when we all felt like we were drowning in assignments and responsibilities.”

Graves

In her address, President Kathleen Harring spoke about the importance of lifelong learning and its impact on leadership. Citing President John F. Kennedy, Harring said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.  I encourage you to remember these words as you keep learning, keep leading and keep growing.”

She also spoke to the ways in which a Muhlenberg education prepares students to take on life’s many challenges: “At Muhlenberg, we treasure the ability not only to face those challenges but also to embrace them as opportunities for growth and distinction. And yet, we recognize that the real challenges — and the real opportunities — come from a fire deep within ourselves. The people who capture that flame — who use that fire — are the world’s leaders and achievers. Your drive, your fire, will define you.”