Annette Halajian of Waltham receives degree from American International College

SPRINGFIELD, MA (06/17/2009)(readMedia)-- Annette Halajian of Waltham was among more than 600 students who received degrees at American International College's 124th commencement. The ceremony was held May 17 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.

Halajian, a Special Education major, received a Master of Education degree.

This year's event was a little extra special for AIC President Vince M. Maniaci. The undergraduate class of 2009 is the first class of students to begin their education at AIC with Maniaci as president. "They started out at AIC not long after I did, so it's kind of like I'm graduating with them," he said.

Springfield native Taj Mahal, one of the most prominent and influential figures in late 20th century blues and roots music, received an honorary doctoral degree during the ceremony.

Spencer A. Barnard, Jr., founder and chief executive officer of K-12 Teacher Alliance (originally named Educators Advancement Group) in Mokena, Il., was the keynote speaker. Barnard, a member of AIC's Board of Trustees, formerly served as senior vice president for Wachovia Securities.

American International College in Springfield, Mass., is a four-year, private, coeducational institution founded in 1885. AIC offers undergraduate and graduate programs in its schools of Business Administration, Arts, Sciences, and Education, Psychology and Education, Health Sciences and Continuing Education.

For more information, contact the Office of Public Relations at (413) 205-3231.

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