Champlain Holds Two Commencements For Largest Class in College's 139-Year History

The Today Show's Al Roker and Cyber Security Expert Renee Forney Receive Honorary Degrees

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Champlain College's 139th Annual Commencement in Burlington, Vt. (photo by Stephen Mease)
(from left) Champlain College President Donald J. Laackman, Champlain Provost Laurie Quinn and Honorary Degree recipient Renee Forney at the 139th Annual Commencement in Burlington, Vt. (photo by Stephen Mease)
Prof. Keith Oppenheim looks on as the Today Show's Al Roker receives his honorary degree from Champlain College President Donald J. Laackman at the 139th Annual Commencement on May 13 in Burlington, Vt. (Photo by Stephen Mease)

BURLINGTON, VT (05/23/2017) Champlain College President Donald J. Laackman conferred more than 1,100 associate, bachelor's and master's degrees to the largest graduating class in the College's history on Saturday, May 13.

For the first time in the College's history, two separate commencement ceremonies were held on the same day to accommodate the burgeoning class that has seen its greatest growth in online education while maintaining a strong traditional undergraduate base.

President Laackman conferred 505 bachelor's and 11 associate degrees during the morning's 139th Commencement under a tent in the Edmunds Middle School field adjacent to the College.

An additional 207 undergraduate bachelor's degrees, 37 associate degrees and 399 master's degrees were conferred in the afternoon at the Commencement ceremony for Continuing Professional Studies (Online) and master's degree students.

Hooding ceremonies for the master's degree candidates were held Friday evening on campus at two locations to accommodate the dramatic growth in Champlain's online master's programs, which include digital forensic science, healthcare administration, executive leadership, managing innovation and information technology, and more.

More than 6,000 people attended the two Commencement ceremonies with even more watching the online simulcast in the College's Alumni Auditorium.

Champlain College bestowed two honorary degrees this year:

Al Roker of NBC's Today Show and founder of Roker Media Labs, a Doctor of Humanities. Roker displayed his usual brand of humor with references to college life, how we are all becoming our parents and the need for people to put down their electronic devices and reconnect, whether by phone, a handwritten note or in person.
Renee Forney, CEO of the Forney Group and the Executive Managing Director of Global Cyber Security Management at Equinoxys Inc., a Doctor of Science and Technology. Forney spoke about the need for change and how those seeking to further their education are the change agents this world needs.

"Champlain is honoring Al Roker and Renee Forney for their professional achievements in fields that align with two of Champlain's academic offerings -- media communications and cyber security," said President Laackman. "Both honorees are prominent leaders in their industries who have helped prepare Champlain students for a lifetime of career success by creating ongoing educational opportunities for our students through internships and jobs after graduation."

In the morning, Samantha Brehm '14 offered the Alumni Welcome to the graduates and their families. Julian Lopez, '17, an international business and finance major in the Stiller School of Business, delivered the Senior address to the undergraduate Class of 2017.Lopez urged his fellow graduates to take personal responsibility when it comes to changing things in the world.

At the afternoon ceremony, Jane Brumley '17, an accounting major who completed her studies while living in Germany, spoke on behalf of the Continuing Professional Studies graduates. Laura Fillbach '17, of Calais, Vt. who was receiving her MFA in Emergent Media, addressed her fellow master's degree recipients. Both women traced their non-traditional education journeys that brought them to the graduation.

President Laackman's remarks at both ceremonies focused on the tremendous amount of change the Class of 2017 has experienced on the way to receiving their diplomas.

"Your success in the face of change, combined with your radically pragmatic Champlain College education, positions you to successfully enter a changing world. While we face challenges that may seem daunting, I have great optimism regarding our future because of what this class has already accomplished while here at Champlain," Laackman told the graduates.

He also thanked the undergraduates for their work as mentors, interns, and volunteers in the community. "The Champlain College Class of 2017 has left our community a better place. You have helped people in Vermont and you have made an enduring positive contribution to our community here in Burlington and beyond," he said, adding, "I know that each of you has done something special during your time here that helped inspire you to reach Commencement today."

Later in the day, speaking to the online degree graduates and master's degree recipients, Laackman observed: "The diversity of your experiences, backgrounds, and viewpoints will ultimately make us all stronger. I believe in your ability to not just persist, but to succeed. I believe in your ability to be focused, and committed. I believe when your motivation is combined with your radically pragmatic Champlain College education that you can, and will, make a real difference in the world."

Laackman concluded his remarks by urging the graduates to live their lives in the spirit of the Champlain College motto "Audeamus" - Let Us Dare!

Additional information, photos, and speeches from the Commencements will be available at www.champlain.edu/news

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Champlain College Presentation Citation and Investiture of Al Roker

With the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters

Al Roker, you have made a lasting impact on a worldwide audience through your entrepreneurial endeavors, your professionalism, your humor, compassion and deep understanding of the human condition. Your peers have recognized your excellence in front of the camera on The Today Show and pioneering work with others behind the scenes at Al Roker Entertainment where you create opportunities for students and professionals alike to grow and learn. Whatever the medium, the stories you share have changed lives.

We honor you for your unwavering dedication to innovation, communication, family, and for your tireless effort with numerous civic and charitable organizations. Your willingness to brave the storms, set high standards and embrace change and diversity have earned you an esteemed place in television history.

By the virtue of the authority vested in me by the Trustees of Champlain College, I am pleased to confer upon you the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa. On this thirteenth day of May, two thousand and seventeen

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Champlain College Presentation Citation and Investiture of Renee Forney

With the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science and Technology

Renee Forney, your work in the field of cyber security has been essential to keeping us safe in unsettled times. Your role as a "woman of influence" in a highly technical field has broadened the world's vision of the need for diversity and inclusion in the public and private sectors. Your keen ability to assess current and future needs have made it possible for educators and employers to create programs for the next generation of cybersecurity experts.

Your insights and leadership skills have helped to pave the way for people of color to fill the needs of a growing workforce in the White House, Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and the private security workplace. Your organizational skills have made possible cohesive and cost-effective procedures that have defined an emerging industry. We honor your risk management initiatives, your lifelong commitment to excellence and your deep respect for information and education in a civil society.

By the virtue of the authority vested in me by the Trustees of Champlain College, I am pleased to confer upon you the degree of Doctor of Science and Technology, Honoris Causa. On this thirteenth day of May, two thousand and seventeen.