Historic Marian Court Class of 2013 crosses the stage

SWAMPSCOTT – As the first class eligible to enroll in Marian Court College?s new four-year degree program, members of the Class of 2013 may have another graduation together in their future.?You are pioneers in the college?s 50-year history,” college president Denise Hammon told the class at the college?s 48th Commencement.Fifty-three graduates received their associate?s degree Wednesday evening on the Swampscott campus. Though grey clouds beckoned with rain, it wouldn?t dampen the spirit of the Class of 2013, who cheered loudly for each of their classmates. Prior to the addition of the college?s four-year degree, Marian Court grads would either choose another college to finish their bachelor?s degree or find a job in their careers.?I?m glad I can stay so close to home and my friends are coming back with me,” said grad Casey Clem of continuing her education in criminal justice at Marian Court. Clem, a Lynn resident, said she felt proud to be earning her associate?s degree with her mother, who lost her sight from cancer, sitting in the crowd. “She pushed me along,” said Clem. “I did it all for her.”Student speaker Gabriel Santiago will be among those moving on to receive one of Marian Court?s first degrees in business administration. In his address, his encouraged his classmates to continue their education whether it be at Marian Court, another college, or within a career. “It does not stop now,” he said. “Just because you have a diploma does not mean you are finished. I encourage each and every one of us to pursue further education.”With 30 percent of the school?s students studying in criminal justice, Essex County Sheriff Frank Cousins seemed like a natural selection for commencement speaker. Cousins said Marian Court?s core values of compassion and service to others were especially fitting in the criminal justice field.Cousins instilled in graduates how one act of character could have a ripple effect on the rest of the world. To prove his point, he told a story of how his father was not able to walk at his own graduation because it was 1941 and he was black, but he walked with character and dignity, and inspired a classmate to later bring affirmative action to the University of North Carolina. “Out of his personal pain came a wonderful compassion that would change the world,” said Cousins.Diplomas in hand, the 53 grads moved into the campus? main building for a reception with their parents and faculty. For some it was for the last time, but for Marian Court, it was one step closer to making history.Kait Taylor can be reached at [email protected].